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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Enophea Saperavi2019
- Regular price
- €13.97
- Sale price
- €13.97
- Regular price
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Winery EnopheaVintages2019 / qnt.280Wine type
Red | Alc. 13.5% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Telavi – ShalauriGrape Saperavi
In Stock 280 -
Tezi Saperavi2023
- Regular price
- €12.03
- Sale price
- €12.03
- Regular price
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Winery Tezi WineryVintages2023 / qnt.2500Wine type
Red | Alc. 12.5% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Telavi – KondoliGrape Saperavi
In 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 Saperavi
In 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 Saperavi
In 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 Saperavi
In 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 · Mtsvane
In Stock 250 -
Tilisma Winery Pet Nat Saperavi2022
- Regular price
- €15.93
- Sale price
- €15.93
- Regular price
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Winery Tilisma WineryVintages2022 / qnt.300Wine type
Sparkling
Red | Alc. 12.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Gurjaani – MukuzaniGrape Saperavi
In Stock 300 -
Tilisma Winery Pet Nat Rosé2022
- Regular price
- €15.93
- Sale price
- €15.93
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Winery Tilisma WineryVintages2022 / qnt.200Wine type
Sparkling
Rose | Alc. 11.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Gurjaani – Velistsikhe · MukuzaniGrape Saperavi · Rkatsiteli · Mtsvane
In Stock 200 -
Anto Saperavi2023
- Regular price
- €13.71
- Sale price
- €13.71
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Winery AntoVintages2023 / qnt.700Wine type
Red | Alc. 13.5% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – AkhmetaGrape Saperavi
In Stock 700 -
Khvtisia Wine Pet Nat Saperavi2023
- Regular price
- €13.72
- Sale price
- €13.72
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Winery Khvtisia WineVintages2023 / qnt.200Wine type
Sparkling
Rose | Alc. 11.5% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Akhoebi PDO – KardanakhiGrape Saperavi
In Stock 200 -
Khvtisia Wine Saperavi202320222021
- Regular price
- €11.76
- Sale price
- €11.76
- Regular price
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Winery Khvtisia WineVintages2023 / qnt.5002022 / qnt.4002021 / qnt.1000Wine type
Red | Alc. 13.4% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Akhoebi PDO – KardanakhiGrape Saperavi
In Stock 1900 -
Qvevriseuli Saperavi2021
- Regular price
- €9.80
- Sale price
- €9.80
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Winery QvevriseuliVintages2021 / qnt.400Wine type
Red | Alc. 13.5% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Sagarejo – KakabetiGrape Saperavi
In Stock 400 -
Ghvenakhe Kotsakhura202320222021
- Regular price
- €19.70
- Sale price
- €19.70
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Winery GhvenakheVintages2023 / qnt.20002022 / qnt.2602021 / qnt.250Wine type
Amber | Alc. 13.8% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Telavi – BushetiGrape Rkatsiteli 60% · Mtsvane 35% · Saperavi 5%
In Stock 2510 -
Ghvenakhe Saperavi2023202220212020
- Regular price
- €26.79
- Sale price
- €26.79
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Winery GhvenakheVintages2023 / qnt.20002022 / qnt.13002021 / qnt.9002020 / qnt.700Wine type
Red | Alc. 14.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Telavi – BushetiGrape Saperavi
In Stock 4900 -
Iases Marani Saperavi Qvevri2021
- Regular price
- €9.81
- Sale price
- €9.81
- Regular price
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Winery Iases MaraniVintages2021 / qnt.700Wine type
Red | Alc. 14.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Sagarejo – KakabetiGrape Saperavi
In Stock 700 -
Iases Marani Saperavi2019
- Regular price
- €9.81
- Sale price
- €9.81
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Winery Iases MaraniVintages2019 / qnt.400Wine type
Red | Alc. 14.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Sagarejo – KakabetiGrape Saperavi
In Stock 400 -
Barbatsa Saperavi2021Sold Out
- Regular price
- €7.85
- Sale price
- €7.85
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Winery BarbatsaVintages2021 / qnt.0Sold OutWine type
Red | Alc. 12.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Kvareli – BaghlojianiGrape Saperavi
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Papunas Marani Saperavi Qvevri2019
- Regular price
- €11.78
- Sale price
- €11.78
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Winery Papunas MaraniVintages2019 / qnt.600Wine type
Red | Alc. 14.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Kvareli – SanavardoGrape Saperavi
In Stock 600 -
Papunas Marani Kindzmarauli2023
- Regular price
- €11.78
- Sale price
- €11.78
- Regular price
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- Unit price
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Winery Papunas MaraniVintages2023 / qnt.652Wine type
Semi Sweet
Red | Alc. 13.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Kindzmarauli PDO – SanavardoGrape Saperavi
In Stock 652
Red | Alc. 13.5% | Vol. 750ml
Rose | Alc. 14.0% | Vol. 750ml
Amber | Alc. 13.8% | Vol. 750ml
