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Kisi Qvevri

Wine Type:

Amber / Orange Dry Wine

Grape Variety:

Kisi

Alcohol

12-13 %

Region:

Telavi, Village Kurdgelauri

Terroir:

Akhmeta Micro Zone

Vinification:

Qvevri

Serving Temperature

12–14°C (53–57°F)

Ageing Potential

5 Years

Aging Time

2+ Years

Vinification

The Kisi Qvevri wine is crafted using the ancient Georgian method of Qvevri fermentation, which allows for a deep connection between the wine and its natural environment. After hand-harvesting the Kisi grapes, they undergo a meticulous process of whole-cluster fermentation in traditional Qvevris, large clay vessels buried underground. The wine spends 6 months in the Qvevri with skin contact, which imparts its signature amber color and complex tannic structure.

During this time, the skins and seeds remain in contact with the juice, slowly releasing tannins, phenols, and aromas that contribute to the wine’s distinctive texture and depth. This long maceration process is key to developing the wine’s robust structure and its balance of ripe fruit flavors and nutty undertones. After the aging process is complete, the wine is gently racked and bottled, retaining the authenticity of its Georgian heritage while offering a wine of exceptional character.

Tasting Notes

Aroma

The nose opens with a captivating blend of dried apricot, orange peel, and subtle hints of white flowers. These fruity aromas are complemented by deeper notes of honey, toasted nuts, and a delicate spice, providing a complex and layered aromatic profile

Style

Amber dry wine with a firm structure, showcasing the traditional winemaking process of extended skin contact in Qvevri. The wine has a distinctive, robust profile while maintaining elegance and complexity.

Palate

On the palate, the wine is rich and vibrant, offering flavors of ripe stone fruits, citrus zest, and dried herbs. The earthy tones of tea leaves and a hint of resin emerge, providing balance to the fruit-forward nature. The wine has a full and harmonious mid-palate, with a gentle touch of minerality.

Acidity

The acidity is well-balanced, contributing freshness to the wine’s otherwise rich and textured body. It enhances the citrusy and mineral characteristics, creating a vibrant and refreshing experience.

Finish

The finish is long and persistent, with lingering notes of dried fruit, and warm spices typical of Qvevri wines. The gentle tannins and vibrant acidity leave a refreshing aftertaste.

Tannins

The tannins are medium but pronounced, coming from the prolonged skin contact. They provide structure and a slight grip on the palate, which balances the wine’s ripe fruit.  The tannins are well-integrated, adding to the wine’s complexity and aging potential.

Texture

Color

Kisi Qvevri presents a captivating amber shade, emblematic of its meticulous vinification process. The rich golden hue is enhanced by its time spent in Qvevri, highlighting the wine’s character and complexity.

Appearance

In the glass, this wine is brilliantly clear, with a radiant amber tone that deepens at the center. Its appearance reflects the artisanal approach to winemaking, indicating clarity and quality.

Viscosity

The wine displays a medium to high viscosity, signifying its richness and depth. When swirled, it shows pronounced legs that cascade slowly down the glass, a testament to its concentration and slightly elevated alcohol content.

Mouthfeel

The mouthfeel is both silky and textured, creating an engaging experience on the palate. The tannins impart a gentle grip, while the wine’s acidity lends liveliness, balancing the richer components for a refreshing finish. The subtle astringency adds a rustic charm, characteristic of traditional Qvevri wines.

Body

Kisi Qvevri offers a medium to full body, providing a delightful weight on the palate. Its structure is both robust and refined, showcasing the balance achieved through careful skin contact, making it satisfying without feeling overly heavy.

Nose

The aromatic profile of Kisi Qvevri is complex and alluring, featuring vibrant notes of citrus, dried apricots, and subtle floral hints. As the wine opens up, additional layers of walnuts and a hint of minerality emerge, enriching its aromatic tapestry and promising an exciting tasting experience ahead.

Terroir

Terroir and Origin

Kisi Qvevri is crafted from grapes grown in the Akhmeta Region, renowned for its exceptional viticultural conditions. This region is steeped in winemaking history and the unique characteristics of the Kisi grape variety. The terroir here imparts distinctive flavors and aromas to the wine, rooted in the rich cultural heritage of Georgian viticulture.

Altitude & Slope

Kisi grapes are cultivated at varying altitudes, typically between 400 and 600 meters above sea level. The gentle slopes of the vineyards facilitate good drainage and ensure adequate sun exposure throughout the day. These topographical features not only promote healthy vine growth but also contribute to the wine’s elegance and depth.

Climate

The climate in the Akhmeta region is predominantly continental, characterized by hot summers and cold winters. This climate allows for a significant diurnal temperature variation, which is essential for preserving acidity in the grapes while ensuring full ripeness. The warm days contribute to the development of fruit-forward flavors, while cooler nights help maintain the wine’s refreshing crispness.

Temperature

The temperature during the growing season fluctuates, with warm daytime temperatures fostering ripeness and cool evenings preserving the grapes’ acidity. This balance of temperatures is vital for developing the Kisi grape’s signature aromatic profile, ensuring a wine that is both vibrant and complex. The resulting wines embody the essence of the Akhmeta terroir, showcasing the harmony between climate, soil, and grape variety.

Soil

The soil composition in this region is diverse, featuring a mix of clay, limestone, and alluvial deposits. The clay retains moisture, supporting the vines during drier periods, while the limestone contributes to the wine’s minerality and complexity. This rich soil profile plays a critical role in the vitality of the Kisi grapes, allowing them to thrive and express their unique character.

Food Pairing

Kisi Qvevri is a versatile amber wine that pairs beautifully with a range of dishes, thanks to its complex flavor profile and aromatic depth. Here are some excellent food pairing suggestions, along with explanations of why they work well together:

Grilled Fish

The wine’s acidity and subtle fruit notes complement the delicate flavors of grilled fish, enhancing the dish without overpowering it. The texture of the fish, combined with a hint of smokiness from the grill, resonates with the wine’s body and mouthfeel.

Roasted or Grilled Vegetables

Roasted or grilled vegetables, particularly those with a touch of char, bring out the wine’s fruity notes and enhance its earthy qualities. The vibrant flavors of seasonal vegetables highlight the wine’s complexity and make for a harmonious pairing.

Roasted Chicken

Its nuttiness and slight oxidative character balance beautifully with hard, aged cheeses like Gouda, Parmigiano-Reggiano, or Manchego. The wine’s textured mouthfeel mirrors the complexity of these cheeses, creating a harmonious pairing.

Spicy Dishes

The aromatic profile of Kisi Qvevri makes it an excellent match for mildly spicy dishes, such as those featuring paprika or cumin. The wine’s texture and flavor balance the heat, allowing the spices to shine without overwhelming the palate.

Cheese

A selection of soft cheeses, such as Brie or goat cheese, along with aged cheeses like Gruyère, creates a delightful contrast with Kisi Qvevri. The creamy texture of the cheeses enhances the wine’s mouthfeel, while the acidity and minerality refresh the palate.

Tomato-Based Sauces

The aromatic profile of Kisi Qvevri makes it an excellent match for mildly spicy dishes, such as those featuring paprika or cumin. The wine’s texture and flavor balance the heat, allowing the spices to shine without overwhelming the palate.

Serving Temperature

Kisi Qvevri is ideally served chilled at 12°C to 14°C (53°F to 57°F). Serving it at this temperature highlights its aromatic profile and ensures a balanced mouthfeel, allowing the wine’s character to be fully appreciated during meals or tastings.