Papari Valley 3 Qvevri Terraces Saperavi Semi Sweet 2022
Papari Valley 3 Qvevri Terraces Saperavi Semi Sweet 2022 is a medium sweet, very full-bodied red from Saperavi (Kakheti, Georgia), in the full, structured reds style. Tannins are very firm and acidity fresh; oak influence is little. Good with aperitif, lamb, steak, venison. Drink within 15 years (to about 2041). Decant for about 1 hour. Critic score 92/100 (merchant-reported). Cheapest offer £16.80 at 8wines UK.
| Wine | Sweet | Body | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chelti Saperavi Qvevri 2020 Chelti · Kakheti | £16.90 | |||
| Tchotiashvili Saperavi Rcheuli Qvevri 2020 Tchotiashvili · Kakheti | £19.55 | |||
| Marani Kindzmarauli 2024 Marani · Kakheti | £16.46 | |||
| Vine Ponto Mukuzani Qvevri 2020 Vine Ponto · Kakheti | £16.12 |
Cellar for up to 15 years. Decant for up to an hour before serving. Papari Valley is a family-owned winery in the heart of Georgia’s chief wine-making region, Kakheti. Founded by former physicist Nukri Kurdadze in 2015, Papari Valley takes inspiration from traditional Georgian wine-making practices, while applying its own utterly unique contemporary twist. “3 Qvevri Terraces” refers to a multi-layered fermentation system that utilises Qvevri, clay amphorae originating from Georgia. Over a period of 8 months, Papari Valley’s wines pass through 3 levels of Qvevri - the first is for fermentation, the second for ageing, and the third is saved for premium wines that go through even more ageing. This innovative, low-intervention approach results in some charmingly unrefined wines, that truly express the untamed Georgian terroir. This wild wine is closer to black than red in the glass. It is remarkably potent for a semi-sweet Saperavi, falling around 16% ABV. The nose is replete with black, jammy fruits and warm hints of roasted chestnut. Despite the sapid sweetness, a bold tannic structure is evident on the palate, along with swirling flavours of cassis, cherry, mint and a certain meatiness. This is a horizon-expanding wine, for those seeking something completely different. When paired with food, Saperavi Semi Sweet will be an excellent companion for meat dishes with sweet sauces or candied nuts.