Saperavi
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Saperavi, the most widely planted grape in Georgia, has earned its place as a global ambassador for the country's viticultural heritage. This intensely pigmented red grape is renowned for crafting some of the nation's most celebrated wines. Anyone who has tried it at least once will never forget its vibrant flavor and inky, almost black color.
Name
Saperavi (or საფერავი in Georgian) translates as "dye" — and it is a fitting name for this grape variety with red pigmented juice and flesh that belongs to the unique category of teinturier grapes.
Origin
Saperavi is as ancient as the Georgian winemaking tradition itself. Believed to have originated in western Georgia, it has flourished nationwide for centuries. While there aren’t any written records to confirm, morphological features of the variety itself, like the colored pulp of the berry, the similarity to other aboriginal varieties, and a large number of specific types and clones of Saperavi in the territory of Georgia, indicate that the variety has been cultivated here for centuries in various terroirs. Professor Cholokashvili and Dr. N. Chakhnashvili, based on their study of flower characteristics in wild and cultivated varieties, even concluded that Saperavi, Rkatsiteli, and Chkhapa might represent a transitional stage between wild and domesticated grapes. These varieties are certainly among the oldest cultivated ones.
Viticulture
Saperavi, a remarkably resilient grape, provides quality even when the yield is high. Of all the varieties cultivated in Kakheti, it is the most resistant to powdery mildew and other fungal diseases. Saperavi is also very resistant to frost, which makes it an extremely suitable variety for regions with a continental climate and cold winters. However, it suffers greatly from phylloxera and is currently grown on rootstock almost everywhere, except for the old Georgian province of Saingilo (now the territory of Azerbaijan), where Saperavi and Rkatsiteli are still cultivated on their original roots.
Kakheti remains the heartland of Saperavi cultivation, with Kartli following behind. Outside Georgia, Saperavi is spread across the Caucasus region and along the Black Sea shores, primarily in former Soviet republics like Ukraine, Russia, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and even as far as Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. It has even ventured into vineyards across the globe, finding its place in the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Wine styles
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Dry Saperavi can be made using either the traditional method of fermentation in qvevri or the European method with subsequent aging in oak. Sometimes winemakers combine both methods to achieve a more complex aroma and soften the tannins. In cooler terroirs, it shines with vibrant acidity and notes of red berries, exuding elegance. Warmer climates yield bolder Saperavi, boasting deep color, rich dark fruit aromas, hints of spice, and robust tannins built for aging. Dry red Saperavi wines are produced throughout Georgia, but biggest part is in Kakheti with acclaimed vineyards found along the Alazani River: the most famous terroir and PDO Mukuzani, as well as the micro-zones of Tsinandali, Vazisubani, Gurjaani, Kardenakhi, and Bakurtsikhe. On the left bank, the best Saperavi can be found in the PDOs Napareuli and Kvareli.
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Semi-sweet Saperavi is mainly produced in Kakheti on the south-facing vineyards in the Kvareli Municipality (Kindzmarauli PDO). More balanced and elegant wines are obtained on the right bank of the Alazani River in the Akhasheni PDO. Saperavi's inherent acidity and tannins create a beautiful balance with the touch of residual sweetness. This makes semi-sweet wines a classic pairing for Georgian cuisine's rich, flavorful spices.
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Saperavi Rosé wines mostly range from dry to semi-dry. These light-bodied rosés burst with delicate floral and red berry aromas, complemented by pleasant acidity. Their hues range from the pale blush to near-ruby, showcasing the winemaker's touch. Saperavi Rosé provides a delightful alternative to heavier reds, especially during warmer weather.
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Sparkling Saperavi is quite often crafted by small, artisanal winemakers as red or rosé pét-nat. Expect light-bodied yet intensely aromatic and flavorful wines.
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Sweet Saperavi style lends beautifully the grape’s bold character. These wines are typically made using the late harvest method. Less frequently, they are produced as fortified wines in the style of Port. Both styles yielding wines that explode with blackcurrant and sweet spice aromas, with a luxurious richness on the palate balanced by tannins.
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JAnaani Wine Cellar Manaseli Quvee2022
- Regular price
- €7.94
- Sale price
- €7.94
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Winery JAnaani Wine CellarVintages2022 / qnt.350Wine type
Red | Alc. 13.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Telavi – RuispiriGrape Rkatsiteli 55% · Mtsvane 15% · Saperavi 15% · Zhghia 15%
In Stock 350 -
Rotcho's Vineyards Saperavi2021
- Regular price
- €13.28
- Sale price
- €13.28
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Winery Rotcho's VineyardsVintages2021 / qnt.1800Wine type
Red | Alc. 14.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – KvareliGrape Saperavi
In Stock 1800 -
Ibero Winery Saperavi2023
- Regular price
- €7.95
- Sale price
- €7.95
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Winery Ibero WineryVintages2023 / qnt.1300Wine type
Red | Alc. 13.5% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Gurjaani – VachnadzianiGrape SaperaviIn Stock 1300 -
Shakriani Estate Dream Saperavi20232022
- Regular price
- €7.23
- Sale price
- €7.23
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Winery Shakriani EstateVintages2023 / qnt.4502022 / qnt.450Wine type
Red | Alc. 14.5% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Kvareli – ShakrianiGrape SaperaviIn Stock 900 -
Shakriani Estate D,Onises Saperavi20222021
- Regular price
- €8.03
- Sale price
- €8.03
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Winery Shakriani EstateVintages2022 / qnt.9002021 / qnt.400Wine type
Red | Alc. 15.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Kvareli – ShakrianiGrape Saperavi
In Stock 1300 -
Menabde Wines Khashmi Saperavi2022
- Regular price
- €19.98
- Sale price
- €19.98
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Winery Menabde WinesVintages2022 / qnt.500Wine type
Red | Alc. 13.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Saperavi Khashmi PDOGrape Saperavi
In Stock 500 -
Gvinadze Winery Saperavi2022
- Regular price
- €14.44
- Sale price
- €14.44
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Winery Gvinadze WineryVintages2022 / qnt.500Wine type
Red | Alc. 14.8% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Kvareli – ShildaGrape SaperaviIn Stock 500 -
Naperebi Saperavi Oak2022
- Regular price
- €14.46
- Sale price
- €14.46
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Winery NaperebiVintages2022 / qnt.900Wine type
Red | Alc. 15.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Kvareli – ShildaGrape SaperaviIn Stock 900 -
Naperebi Saperavi2022
- Regular price
- €14.46
- Sale price
- €14.46
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Winery NaperebiVintages2022 / qnt.3200Wine type
Red | Alc. 15.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Kvareli – ShildaGrape SaperaviIn Stock 3200 -
Dimitri Wine Khashmi Saperavi2022
- Regular price
- €10.04
- Sale price
- €10.04
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Winery Dimitri WineVintages2022 / qnt.700Wine type
Red | Alc. 13.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Saperavi Khashmi PDOGrape SaperaviIn Stock 700 -
Kizikuri Tradiciuli Saperavi2021
- Regular price
- €10.06
- Sale price
- €10.06
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Winery Kizikuri TradiciuliVintages2021 / qnt.500Wine type
Red | Alc. 13.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Sagarejo – ManaviGrape Saperavi
In Stock 500 -
Enophea Saperavi Oak2020
- Regular price
- €13.97
- Sale price
- €13.97
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Winery EnopheaVintages2020 / qnt.340Wine type
Red | Alc. 12.5% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Telavi – ShalauriGrape SaperaviIn Stock 340 -
Enophea Saperavi2019
- Regular price
- €13.97
- Sale price
- €13.97
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Winery EnopheaVintages2019 / qnt.280Wine type
Red | Alc. 13.5% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Telavi – ShalauriGrape SaperaviIn Stock 280 -
Tezi Winery Saperavi2023
- Regular price
- €12.03
- Sale price
- €12.03
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Winery Tezi WineryVintages2023 / qnt.2500Wine type
Red | Alc. 12.5% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Telavi – KondoliGrape SaperaviIn Stock 2500 -
Kaloubani Saperavi2023
- Regular price
- €9.93
- Sale price
- €9.93
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Winery KaloubaniVintages2023 / qnt.100Wine type
Red | Alc. 11.5% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kartli – Kaspi – KaloubaniGrape Saperavi
In Stock 100 -
Rachisubani Iremashvili Vineyards Saperavi2022
- Regular price
- €10.76
- Sale price
- €10.76
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Winery Rachisubani Iremashvili VineyardsVintages2022 / qnt.60Wine type
Red | Alc. 15.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kartli – Bolnisi PDO – RachisubaniGrape SaperaviIn Stock 60 -
Nika Azniashvili's Wine Cellar Saperavi2023
- Regular price
- €11.12
- Sale price
- €11.12
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Winery Nika Azniashvili's Wine CellarVintages2023 / qnt.800Wine type
Red | Alc. 13.3% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Telavi – KisiskheviGrape SaperaviIn Stock 800 -
Chito's Gvino Saperavi2021
- Regular price
- €11.90
- Sale price
- €11.90
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Winery Chito's GvinoVintages2021 / qnt.100Wine type
Red | Alc. 13.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Gurjaani – VachnadzianiGrape SaperaviIn Stock 100 -
Tilisma Winery Rosé Qvevri2022
- Regular price
- €11.94
- Sale price
- €11.94
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Winery Tilisma WineryVintages2022 / qnt.250Wine type
Rose | Alc. 14.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Gurjaani – Velistsikhe · MukuzaniGrape Saperavi · Rkatsiteli · MtsvaneIn Stock 250 -
Tilisma Winery Pet Nat Saperavi2022
- Regular price
- €15.93
- Sale price
- €15.93
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Winery Tilisma WineryVintages2022 / qnt.300Wine type
Sparkling
Red | Alc. 12.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Gurjaani – MukuzaniGrape SaperaviIn Stock 300
Red | Alc. 13.0% | Vol. 750ml
Rose | Alc. 14.0% | Vol. 750ml
