Saperavi – The most Famous Georgian Wine

Giorgi Lomidze • December 26, 2024

A wine tour in Kakheti offers an unforgettable experience, combining stunning landscapes, rich history, and world-class wines. There are plenty of questions about Georgina wine including, “What is Saperavi wine?” and “What does Saperavi taste like?”

It is quite easy to get answers to all the questions about Georgian wine. All you need to do is join wine tours organized by Select Georgia Tours.

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a curious traveler, a Kakheti wine tour offers a blend of education, indulgence, and breathtaking scenery, making it a must-do experience in Georgia.

Travel agency Select Georgia Tours is a perfect companion. Our team knows what it takes to create a unique wine tour.

Let’s first gather more information about Georgia and Kakheti, in particular.

Nestled at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Georgia is a captivating country in Eastern Europe with a rich history and stunning landscapes. Bordered by the majestic Caucasus Mountains to the north and the Black Sea to the west, Georgia offers a unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and ancient traditions.

Kakheti, nestled in the eastern part of Georgia, is the country’s most renowned wine region, celebrated for its rich winemaking heritage that dates back thousands of years. Kakheti is the heart of Georgian wine-making. It has the fertile Alazani River Valley and a great climate. The region grows many types of grapes. The wines here show both old traditions and new skills.

Georgia is one of the world’s oldest winemaking regions, with a history spanning over 8,000 years. Georgia sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Its varied landscapes and great climate make it perfect for growing grapes. The country boasts over 500 indigenous grape varieties, offering a unique and diverse wine portfolio.

Saperavi is a famous and old grape variety from Georgia. It is known for its deep red color and strong flavors. Saperavi grape also has a rich history. It is a teinturier grape variety. This means it has red skin and red flesh. This gives the wine its strong flavor.

Here's an overview of Saperavi wine, including prominent producers and interesting details:

Key Characteristics of Saperavi Wine

What does Saperavi taste like

Deep ruby to dark garnet in color.
Full-bodied with high tannins and pronounced acidity.
Flavors often include dark berries (blackberry, cherry, and blackcurrant), hints of spices, tobacco, and earthy undertones.
It can age exceptionally well, developing complex notes over time.

Kakheti is known for its traditional Qvevri winemaking, a UNESCO-recognized practice. Wines are fermented and aged in large clay vessels buried underground, producing natural wines with earthy and complex flavors. This ancient method is complemented by modern winemaking techniques, offering a wide spectrum of styles.

Notable Producers

Tbilvino: Known for high-quality Saperavi with rich flavor profiles.

Teliani Valley: Offers traditional and modern takes on Saperavi.

Kindzmarauli Marani: Produces semi-sweet and dry Saperavi varieties.

Shumi Winery: Offers diverse Saperavi wines, including qvevri-made options.

Khareba Winery: Known for its wines, aged in unique tunnel cellars.

Pheasant's Tears: A boutique winery specializing in natural qvevri Saperavi wines.

Badagoni Winery: Combines modern and traditional techniques to produce premium wine

Wine Pairing Suggestions

Saperavi pairs excellently with:

Grilled meats (lamb, beef, pork).
Rich stews and braised dishes.
Hard and aged cheeses.
Traditional Georgian dishes like khinkali (dumplings) and khachapuri (cheese bread).

Other Details

Historical Significance

Its history dates back thousands of years, making it a symbol of Georgia's winemaking heritage.

Growing Regions

Predominantly grown in the Kakheti region of Georgia. Specific subregions like Kindzmarauli, Mukuzani, and Napareuli are known for producing distinctive Saperavi wines.

Aging Potential

Premium Saperavi wines can age for 10–20 years, improving in complexity and depth.

Styles

Dry: The most common style, emphasizing Saperavi's bold flavors.
Semi-Sweet: Particularly popular in the Kindzmarauli region.
Rose: Made in smaller quantities, offering a lighter and fresher profile.

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From Khinkali to Guda: A Guide to Traditional Georgian Food

By Giorgi Lomidze • March 12, 2025

Georgia, a country nestled at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, boasts one of the most diverse and flavorful cuisines in the world. Georgian food is a reflection of its rich history, influenced by various cultures while maintaining its unique identity. From hearty breads and succulent meats to aromatic spices and mouth watering cheeses, Georgian cuisine is a true feast for the senses. This guide compiled by Select Georgia will introduce you to the typical Georgian food, ingredients, and customs that define traditional Georgian food. Select Georgia is a tour agency based in Tbilisi. Whether you seek adventure, cultural exploration, or relaxation, our expert guides will take you to hidden gems and iconic destinations. From mountain hikes and wine tastings to ancient cities and seaside retreats, we cater to every traveler's interest. The Essence of Georgian Cuisine Let’s gather more information about the local cuisine. Georgian cuisine is characterized by the use of fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Staples include meat (especially beef, pork, and lamb), dairy products, nuts, herbs, and an abundance of fresh vegetables. What about bread? Bread is more than just food in Georgia; it holds cultural, spiritual, and social significance. It is a symbol of hospitality and abundance, served at every meal and always present on the table. Georgian bread is deeply intertwined with tradition, often being part of religious and festive celebrations. It is hard to discuss the local cuisine without mentioning spices. Interestingly, spices such as blue fenugreek, coriander, garlic, and dried marigold play a vital role in adding depth and complexity to dishes. Must-Try Georgian Dishes Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular dishes. Food lovers from all over the world are interested in the traditional Georgian food. So, there are many inquiries about the Georgian food Khinkali the best food in Georgia. 1. Khinkali (Georgian Dumplings) There are many contenders when it comes to the title of a national dish. Khinkali is one of them. Khinkali are juicy dumplings filled with spiced meat (traditionally beef and pork, but sometimes lamb or mushrooms). The dough is twisted at the top to seal in the rich broth inside. To eat Khinkali properly, one must grab the top, take a small bite, suck out the juice, and then enjoy the rest of the dumpling.