Saperavi: The Leading Georgian Wine Grape
Saperavi grape cluster
Just as cabernet sauvignon is the leading grape of California, the deep, dark, thick-skinned and tannic saperavi is the leading grape of Georgia. While Georgia is a global leader in “orange” or “natural” wine, fermented and aged in qvevri, saperavi, a rare teinturier grape – dark skin and dark pulp – is poised to become a long-term player on the global red wine stage.
While many are made in qvevri – think amphora – a handful of producers are looking to the classic European style where barrels are used for both fermentation and aging. Across all styles, saperavi expresses ripe and juicy berry notes often alongside earthiness, bitterness, herbs and dried flowers. In general, acidity is high, bringing the wines closer to Italian than French or Spanish reds. Read more about Georgian wines.
The Wines of Georgia by Lisa Granik MW
The Wines of Georgia author and Master of Wine Lisa Granik, America’s leading expert on the matter, says, “Saperavi is quite a versatile variety; there are lovely sparkling examples (whether dry or off-dry), rosés, middle-weight juicy reds made with partial carbonic fermentation, or bigger, heavy-weight wines made in qvevri and/or oak. Oak influence can soften the tannins and add some complexity, provided it is properly balanced. Saperavi produced 100% in qvevri will exhibit fresher berry and plum fruit character when the wine is young, but will develop more meaty, savory notes in time. While delicious and expressive when young, more aspirational examples easily can age for ten years, if not longer.”
Renowned 11th generation Georgian winemaker Lado Uzunashvili says of this ancient Georgian grape, “It is a variety, which still has genomic pools formed 3500 years ago. It shows wild properties depending on the growing area. Its origins are Black Sea Marine Climate, South West of Georgia and is performing strongly in continental climate of the East of the country. It has exceptional adaptability to various climates and soil conditions and is an exceptional blender.” He adds, “ Saperavi is a noble grape variety. Saperavi can make a huge array of wine styles. Saperavi marches against climate change.”
Importer Chris Schleuter of Ghvinos notes, “There are so many ways skilled Georgian winemakers work with saperavi, via production methods/skin contact amount/time and blending to create a huge spectrum from light and fresh to characteristically intense and dark (some even say ‘black’).
Neki Selection wines
2021 Anemo Saperavi Kvareli PDO Kakheti Georgia $28
Full, sinewy and dry with notes of candied ginger, candied orange, pear, plum and grilled mushroom. qvevri 14%abv
2020 Casreli Saperavi Kakheti Georgia $28
Full-bodied, firm and dry with notes of blackberry jam, fig paste, dried flowers, pine nut and white mushroom. qvevri 14% abv
2021 Casreli Saperavi Kakheti Georgia $28
Full, gripping, tart and dry with notes of black cherry, black raspberry, bay leaf, fig paste and baked earth. qvevri 14%abv
2019 Saperavi Khasmi PDO Kakheti Georgia $28
Mid-weight, fresh, tart and lightly fizzy with notes of plum, blackberry jam, singed meat, brown mushroom and bay leaf. 13% abv
2021 Wine Alphabet Saperavi Georgia $25
Full, supple, fresh, tart and dry with notes of black cherry, blueberry, thyme, roasted meat, sea salt and sandalwood. 14.5% abv
2020 Mukado Saperavi Khikhvi Kakheti Georgia $30
Full, firm, lightly tingly and dry with notes of baked plum, fig paste, sour dough jam pastry and chocolate covered raisin. 14% abv
2014 Stori Saperavi Napareuli PDO Kakheti Georgia $25
Light, fresh, tart and dry with notes of nectarine, red cherry, brown musahroom, nutmeg. cocoa and pink rose. qvevri 12.5% abv
Ghvinos wines
2022 Estate Saperavi Rose Brut Pet-Nat Georgia $29
Softly sweet and sparkling Saperavi with notes of watermelon, orange marmalade, violet and white mushroom. 11% abv
2021 Iberieli Saperavi “Natural Wine” Kakheti PDO Georgia $28
Medium-bodied, fresh, finely chewy and dry with notes of sour cherry, framboise, violet, black tea and almond skin. qvevri 13.5% abv
2020 Qarvani Saperavi Kakheti Georgia $28
Very full, lightly fizzy, and nearly dry with notes of cherry, cocoa, hazelnut, beetroot, mushroom and game. qvevri 15% abv
2019 Vazisubani Estate Saperavi Estate Collection Mukuzani PDO Kakheti Georgia $29
Mid-weight and supple then chewy, tart and dry with notes of plum, date, fig paste, dark chocolate, brown mushroom and cedar. 13.5% abv
2020 Vazisubani Estate Saperavi Kakheti Georgia $25
Lean, tart and dry with notes of raspberry, red cherry, black cherry, blackberry, violet, ginger and mushroom. qvevri 13.5%abv
2019 Winiveria Saperavi Telavi Kakheti Georgia $25
Mid-weight, muscular, fresh and dry with notes of raspberry, cherry, blackberry, carob, black licorice, fresh mint and candied violet. qvevri 13% abv
2018 Gurashvili’s Family Vineyards Saperavi Tibaani Kakheti Georgia $27.50
Full, brisk, gripping and dry with notes of red cherry, mulberry, pink rose, roasted chestnut, paprika and rare meat. qvevri 14% abv
Marnaveli wines
2019 Marnaveli Saperavi “Aged in Oak Barrels” Kakheti Georgia $25
Light, dry, fresh and finely chewy with notes of chocolate-covered cherry, date, fig paste, cedar, cinnamon, bay leaf and thyme. 13% abv
2019 Marnaveli Saperavi Georgia $20
Light, firm and dry with notes of red cherry, red plum, dried rose petal, white mushroom and sage. 13%abv (qvevri )
Saperavi Brothers wines
2018 Chelti Heritage Saperavi Georgia $22
Mid-weight, firm, lightly gripping and dry with notes of sour cherry, black cherry, Chambord, stewed meat, mushroom, fennel seed and black licorice. 14% abv
2021 Georgian Valleys Saperavi Kakheti Georgia $18
Light, tart and dry with notes of strawberry, blackberry, plum jam, fig paste, cinnamon and nutmeg.13% abv
2022 Shilda Saperavi Kakheti Georgia $16
Light, tart, fresh and dry with notes of raspberry, cherry, dried herbs and white rose. 13% abv