Marani Alexandreuli 2022
Marani Alexandreuli 2022 is a luscious, medium-bodied red (Kakheti, Georgia), in the sweet and dessert wines style. Tannins are moderate and acidity moderate; oak influence is little. Good with fruit dessert, blue cheese, foie gras, cheesecake. Drink now or within 5 years (to about 2027). No need to decant. Critic score 92/100 (merchant-reported).
| Wine | Sweet | Body | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gevrey-Chambertin, Domaine Duroché 2023 Domaine Duroché · Burgundy | £69.00 | |||
| Indaba, Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz 2024 Indaba · Western Cape | £13.50 | |||
| Varvaglione Chicca Primitivo di Manduria Dolce Naturale 2023 Varvaglione · Puglia | £14.87 | |||
| Recioto della Valpolicella Classico Zenato 2020 Zenato · Veneto | £63.00 |
Drink it now or cellar for up to 5 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Located in Georgia's Kakheti region, Marani is based in the Telavi Wine Cellar. The estate has some of the best and oldest vineyards in the Kakheti region, mentioned as early as the mid-1700s and planted primarily with red varieties. The vineyards enjoy alluvial, strongly skeletal, and clayey soils located on a limestone rocky substrate and a climate that varies from humid subtropical to continental. The grapes of the indigenous Alexandreuli vine are harvested by hand at the maximum level of ripeness from the Kondoli vineyards. After a soft pressing, the must ferment for 5-7 days. Upon reaching the desired sugar level, the must is cooled to stop fermentation and maintain freshness in the wine. The wine is then stored at around 0°C until bottling. Alexandreuli is a natural sweet wine, with a bright ruby red color. Its aromatic profile is intensely fruity with juicy notes of raspberry, pomegranate, and strawberry and some hints of pepper. On the palate, it is round and elegant, fresh and well balanced with a pleasantly sweet and sour finish that is long and persistent. This wine is excellent with walnut desserts and medium-aged cheeses.