Khvanchkara
Wine Type:
Red Dry Wine
Grape Variety:
Saperavi
Alcohol
13 - 14 %
Region:
Village Mukuzani
Terroir:
Mukuzani
Vinification:
Oak Barrel
Serving Temperature
12–14°C (53–67°F)
Aging Potential
5 Years
Aging Time
1-2 Years
Vinification
The vinification process for Mukuzani begins with the careful selection of Saperavi grapes from the renowned Mukuzani microzone. After harvesting, the grapes undergo fermentation in stainless steel tanks, allowing for precise temperature control, which helps preserve the wine’s rich fruit characteristics.
Following fermentation, the wine is transferred to French oak barrels, where it is aged for a minimum of one year. This extended oak aging imparts complex layers of vanilla, spice, and subtle smokiness, while enhancing the wine’s tannic structure and overall depth. The result is a full-bodied red with a harmonious balance of fruit, oak, and firm tannins.
Tasting Notes
Aroma
Mukuzani offers a rich and enticing bouquet dominated by dark fruits like blackberries, plums, and black cherries, intertwined with subtle notes of vanilla, cedar, and a hint of spice from the oak aging. As the wine opens up, aromas of tobacco, leather, and dried herbs emerge, adding complexity.
Style
Mukuzani is a dry, robust red wine with a perfect balance of fruit, oak, and structure, showcasing the power of Saperavi grapes and the complexity of the Mukuzani terroir.
Palate
On the palate, Mukuzani is bold and full-bodied, with ripe black fruits at the forefront, complemented by layers of dark chocolate, spice, and a touch of earthiness. The oak aging imparts flavors of vanilla and toasted wood, enhancing the overall richness and depth.
Acidity
The wine displays bright, refreshing acidity, which lifts the fruit flavors and provides a vibrant backbone, ensuring a balanced drinking experience.
Finish
The finish is long and elegant, with lingering notes of spice, oak, and a persistent touch of blackberry. The wine leaves a lasting impression of well-integrated tannins and balanced acidity.
Tannins
Mukuzani’s tannins are firm and well-structured, softened by the oak aging process. They give the wine a velvety texture, with a pleasant grip that adds to its aging potential.
Texture
Color
Mukuzani displays a deep, dark ruby to almost inky purple hue, indicative of its rich concentration and bold character. The intensity of the color speaks to the wine’s depth and complexity, with slight garnet highlights appearing as it ages.
Appearance
Crystal clear and dense, Mukuzani’s appearance reflects both its clarity and the richness of the Saperavi grape. The wine shows no cloudiness, and its vivid color remains concentrated from the core to the rim.
Viscosity
This wine has a moderate to high viscosity, showcasing pronounced legs in the glass, a sign of its well-structured body and the influence of its alcohol content and oak aging.
Mouthfeel
The mouthfeel is smooth and luxurious, with the oak aging providing a silky texture. The tannins are firm but refined, giving the wine a velvety finish that coats the palate without overwhelming it.
Body
Mukuzani is a full-bodied wine, with a robust, weighty presence on the palate. Its structure is rich and layered, delivering a mouth-filling experience, perfect for those who enjoy wines with power and substance.
Nose
Mukuzani’s nose is expressive and complex, offering a medley of dark berries, spice, oak, and hints of earth. The aromas evolve with time, revealing layers of tobacco, leather, and subtle herbal undertones, making it as intriguing on the nose as it is on the palate.
Terroir
Terroir and Origin
Mukuzani is produced from 100% Saperavi grapes grown in the Mukuzani microzone, a renowned wine-growing area in the Kakheti region of Georgia. This special microzone is famous for producing some of the best red wines in the country, largely due to its unique combination of soil, climate, and geography. The influence of the terroir here results in bold, structured wines with great aging potential.
Altitude & Slope
Mukuzani’s vineyards sit at an altitude of approximately 350–500 meters above sea level. The region features gentle slopes that face the sun, providing optimal sunlight exposure throughout the day. This elevation and slope allow for good airflow, which helps to prevent diseases in the vineyard while also promoting even ripening.
Climate
Mukuzani experiences a continental climate with warm, sunny summers and cold winters. The microzone benefits from long, hot growing seasons, which allow the Saperavi grapes to ripen fully, enhancing their deep color, high tannin content, and concentrated flavors. The region’s moderate rainfall ensures the grapes receive enough hydration without excessive water that might dilute their flavors.
Temperature
During the growing season, Mukuzani enjoys warm daytime temperatures averaging between 25-30°C (77-86°F), which are ideal for developing ripe fruit flavors in the Saperavi grapes. At night, the temperatures drop, offering the necessary cooling effect that helps retain the grape’s natural acidity and balance the wine’s structure.
Soil
The soils in the Mukuzani region are a mix of alluvial and limestone with layers of clay and sand, which provide excellent drainage while retaining the necessary nutrients for grape development. The limestone contributes to the wine’s minerality and elegance, while the clay helps develop the body and richness in the wine.
Food Pairing
Red Meats
Mukuzani’s bold tannins and rich, dark fruit flavors make it an excellent companion for grilled or roasted red meats. Dishes like steak, lamb chops, or beef tenderloin pair beautifully with the depth and structure of the wine. The wine’s oak aging complements the savory, smoky notes of these meats.
Cheeses
For a perfect cheese pairing, opt for aged cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano, aged Cheddar, or Gouda. The wine’s tannins and acidity cut through the richness of these cheeses, creating a balanced and flavorful experience.
Game
The intense flavors of Mukuzani also work well with game meats like venison, wild boar, or duck. These hearty dishes are enhanced by the wine’s robust character and earthy undertones, creating a harmonious pairing.
Mushroom-Based Dishes
Mukuzani’s earthy undertones complement mushroom-based dishes like risotto with porcini mushrooms or mushroom stews. The wine’s structure and complexity elevate the umami flavors, making for a delightful pairing.
Serving Temperature
To fully appreciate the depth and complexity of Saperavi, it is best served at a temperature between 16°C and 18°C (60°F to 65°F). Serving at this slightly cool temperature helps to balance the wine’s robust structure, accentuating its rich, dark fruit aromas while keeping the acidity and tannins in harmony. Decanting for around 30 minutes before serving will further enhance the wine’s expression, allowing the full range of its flavors and aromas to unfold gracefully in the glass.
