Otskhanuri Sapere
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Otskhanuri Sapere a distinguished red grape variety, holds a revered status as one of Georgia's oldest grape varieties, with a rich heritage dating back centuries. Its significance in Georgian viticulture extends beyond mere antiquity; Otskhanuri Sapere embodies a unique botanical profile that hints at its evolutionary journey, suggesting it may serve as a transitional link between domesticated grape varieties and their wild ancestors.
Origin/Name
Even though today this grape is planted mostly in Imereti, its origins are from the coastal wine region of Georgia, Guria, specifically the village of Otskhana, which explains the name Otskhanuri Sapere (ოცხანური საფერე in Georgian) that means “Otskhana’s colorful.”
Viticulture
Otskhanuri Sapere exhibits medium-sized bunches characterized by a variety of berry sizes, resulting in uneven ripening across the cluster. This unique trait adds complexity to the grape's flavor profile. Originating from an exceptionally humid region, Otskhanuri Sapere has developed a natural resistance to autumn rot, a common concern in such climates. This innate resilience allows the grape to remain on the vine for an extended period, affording winemakers the opportunity to harvest at their desired level of ripeness. As a result, Otskhanuri Sapere offers winemakers flexibility in crafting wines with optimal flavor development and structural balance.
Wine styles
With the ability to ripen to the desired state and, due to variable sizes in berries, always maintain its acidity, Otskhanuri Sapere can be used in different styles.
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Dry Red Wine generally extremely dark in color, with almost no transparency, and sticky in viscosity. These wines can range in style depending on terroir. Otskhanuri Sapere can be earthy and mushroomy or fruity and playful, depending on the microclimate, soil, and other specific factors. One thing is guaranteed: these wines will always have plenty of acidity.
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Blending with white varieties is a very common style seen in the Bagdati region of Imereti. Usually, Otskhanuri Sapere juice is blended with Khrakhuna skins, which gives the wine a significantly lighter and more playful style.
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Sparkling Otskhanuri Sapere is a rare treat, but winemakers do experiment with it with great success, especially in the Pet-Nat style
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Nanua Winery Otskhanuri Sapere2018
- Regular price
- €11.75
- Sale price
- €11.75
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Winery Nanua WineryVintages2018 / qnt.800Wine typeRed | Alc. 13.5% | Vol. 750mlTerroir Imereti – Terjola – SazanoGrape Otskhanuri SapereIn Stock 800 -
David Leladze Family Winery Aladasturi - Otskhanuri Sapere2023
- Regular price
- €10.88
- Sale price
- €10.88
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Winery David Leladze Family WineryVintages2023 / qnt.600Wine typeRed | Alc. 11.0% | Vol. 750mlTerroir Imereti – BaghdatiGrape Aladasturi 60% · Otskhanuri Sapere 40%In Stock 600 -
Lagvinari Otskhanuri Sapere20222019
- Regular price
- €18.00
- Sale price
- €18.00
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Winery LagvinariVintages2022 / qnt.1002019 / qnt.100Wine typeRed | Alc. 11.0% | Vol. 750mlTerroir Imereti – Zestafoni – SviriGrape Otskhanuri SapereIn Stock 200