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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Kobuladze Cellar Saperavi20222021
- Regular price
- €7.80
- Sale price
- €7.80
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Winery Kobuladze CellarVintages2022 / qnt.21332021 / qnt.1140Wine type
Red | Alc. 13.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kartli – Bolnisi PDOGrape Saperavi
In Stock 3273 -
Damiane Saperavi2023
- Regular price
- €8.02
- Sale price
- €8.02
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Winery DamianeVintages2023 / qnt.300Wine type
Red | Alc. 13.5% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Akhmeta – ChabinaaniGrape Saperavi
In Stock 300 -
Napheri Saperavi2023
- Regular price
- €8.50
- Sale price
- €8.50
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Winery NapheriVintages2023 / qnt.2200Wine type
Red | Alc. 14.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Telavi – KondoliGrape Saperavi
In Stock 2200 -
Napheri Saperavi Elegance2022
- Regular price
- €8.50
- Sale price
- €8.50
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Winery NapheriVintages2022 / qnt.900Wine type
Red | Alc. 14.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Telavi – KondoliGrape SaperaviIn Stock 900 -
Napheri Saperavi Special2021
- Regular price
- €9.50
- Sale price
- €9.50
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Winery NapheriVintages2021 / qnt.450Wine type
Red | Alc. 14.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kartli – BolnisiGrape SaperaviIn Stock 450 -
Barbale Kindzmarauli Exceptional Harvest2019
- Regular price
- €11.60
- Sale price
- €11.60
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Winery BarbaleVintages2019 / qnt.500Wine type
Semi Sweet
Red | Alc. 13.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Kindzmarauli PDOGrape SaperaviIn Stock 500 -
Archil's Wine Saperavi2019
- Regular price
- €10.96
- Sale price
- €10.96
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Winery Archil's WineVintages2019 / qnt.500Wine type
Red | Alc. 15.5% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Telavi – KurdghelauriGrape Saperavi
In Stock 500 -
Archil's Wine Red Blend2019
- Regular price
- €10.96
- Sale price
- €10.96
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Winery Archil's WineVintages2019 / qnt.1000Wine type
Red | Alc. 14.5% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Telavi – KurdghelauriGrape Cabernet Sauvignon 50% · Saperavi 50%In Stock 1000 -
Archil's Wine Saperavi Reserve2018
- Regular price
- €16.88
- Sale price
- €16.88
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Winery Archil's WineVintages2018 / qnt.200Wine type
Red | Alc. 15.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Telavi – KurdghelauriGrape SaperaviIn Stock 200 -
Lagvinari Saperavi2022
- Regular price
- €18.00
- Sale price
- €18.00
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Winery LagvinariVintages2022 / qnt.100Wine type
Red | Alc. 12.5% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Gurjaani – KardanakhiGrape Saperavi
In Stock 100 -
Levani's Marani Akhmeta Saperavi2019
- Regular price
- €15.22
- Sale price
- €15.22
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Winery Levani's Marani AkhmetaVintages2019 / qnt.1200Wine type
Red | Alc. 15.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Gurjaani – AkhasheniGrape Saperavi
In Stock 1200
Red | Alc. 13.0% | Vol. 750ml
