Rtvelisi Saperavi Qvevri 2019
Rtvelisi Saperavi Qvevri 2019 is a dry, very full-bodied red from Saperavi (Kakheti, Georgia), in the rich, smooth reds style. Tannins are moderate and acidity fresh; oak influence is little. Good with lamb, roast pork, burgers, steak. Drink now or within 15 years (to about 2034). No need to decant. Critic score 95/100 (merchant-reported).
| Wine | Sweet | Body | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chateau Purcari Limited Edition Saperavi 2023 Chateau Purcari · South Eastern | £22.03 | |||
| Chateau Buera Saperavi Reserve 2019 Chateau Buera · Kakheti | £22.63 | |||
| Chateau Mukhrani Saperavi Superior 2022 Chateau Mukhrani · Kartli | £18.52 | |||
| Labara Saperavi 2022 Labara · Kakheti | £18.52 |
Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Rtvelisi is a Georgian winery located in the village of Shalauri, near Telavi, in the renowned wine region of Kakheti. The company was born from the restoration of a historic patriarchal winery. The name is a tribute to the country's winemaking tradition; "Rtveli" means "harvest," a sacred ritual for Georgian people dating back thousands of years. Rtvelisi produces a wide range of wines from indigenous grape varieties such as Rkatsiteli, Kisi, Kakhuri Mtsvane, and, of course, Saperavi. Saperavi grapes come from the estate vineyards located in the Kakheti region, between the Caucasus Mountains and the Alazani Valley, where the unique soil and climate conditions ensure quality viticulture. After harvesting, the vinification and aging process takes place in traditional terracotta amphorae called Qvevri. The result is a rich and expressive wine that reveals an intense aromatic profile on the nose with ripe notes of cherry, plum, and berries, followed by hints of Mediterranean herbs such as rosemary and sage. On the palate, it is juicy, round, and balanced with refreshing acidity and firm yet well-integrated tannins. The finish is long and fruity. It is the ideal wine to pair with meat, especially lamb meatballs, roast pork, or a savory cheeseburger.