The vinification process of Saperavi Reserve is designed to enhance the bold characteristics of this premium red wine. The grapes are carefully harvested from the Ruispiri terroir and first fermented in stainless steel tanks. This long aging period allows the wine to develop its deep, concentrated flavors while preserving the varietal’s natural freshness and structure.
After this, the wine is transferred to French oak barrels, where it ages for an additional year. This stage imparts subtle layers of complexity, integrating the wine’s tannins with elegant notes of spice, vanilla, and oak, enriching the overall texture and finish. The combination of stainless steel and oak aging creates a balanced wine with both vibrant fruit characteristics and refined maturity.
Tasting Notes
Aroma
The nose is rich and intense, with layered aromas of dark forest fruits like blackberry, blackcurrant, and ripe plum. These are complemented by the subtler hints of vanilla, oak spices, and a touch of tobacco, gained from its time in French oak barrels.
Style
A structured and elegant dry red wine, this reserve has a velvety texture and a fine balance between bold fruit and oak influence, making it both approachable and complex.
Palate
On the palate, the wine is bold and full-bodied, delivering concentrated flavors of black cherries, blackberries, and dark chocolate. Oak aging adds complexity with notes of cinnamon, cedar, and a smoky undertone, creating a well-rounded and powerful profile.
Acidity
The acidity is lively yet well-integrated, providing freshness that lifts the dense fruit profile and balances the wine’s robust structure.
Finish
The finish is long, smooth, and persistent, with a balanced interplay between ripe tannins and rich fruit. Subtle oak spice lingers alongside hints of dark cocoa and tobacco, leaving a memorable aftertaste.
Tannins
Firm but refined tannins from both the grape and oak aging give the wine a solid backbone, providing depth and aging potential while enhancing the overall mouthfeel.
Texture
Color
The wine exhibits a deep, dark ruby hue with violet reflections, indicative of its rich Saperavi grape heritage. This intense color suggests concentration and complexity.
Appearance
The wine has a clear and brilliant appearance, showcasing its youthful vibrancy. The clarity reflects careful vinification, while the depth of color hints at its intensity and depth of flavor.
Viscosity
When swirled in the glass, Saperavi Reserve displays medium to high viscosity, evident from the slow, thick legs that form on the glass, signaling a wine with good structure and richness.
Mouthfeel
The mouthfeel is smooth and velvety, with a luxurious texture that coats the palate. The interplay of firm tannins and vibrant acidity creates a harmonious balance, resulting in a wine that feels both substantial and approachable.
Body
Full-bodied, the wine envelops the palate with a bold presence. Its richness is balanced by a vibrant acidity that adds to its overall weight and mouthfeel.
Nose
The nose is inviting and complex, with an initial burst of ripe dark fruits complemented by hints of oak-derived spices. The aromatic profile evolves with air, revealing layers of earthiness and floral notes, enhancing the overall olfactory experience.
Terroir
Terroir and Origin
Saperavi Reserve hails from the renowned Ruispiri terroir in the Telavi region, where the unique combination of geography and local viticultural traditions shapes the character of the wine. This area is celebrated for its deep-rooted winemaking history and the cultivation of indigenous grape varieties.
Altitude & Slope
The vineyards are situated at moderate altitudes, typically ranging from 400 to 600 meters above sea level. The gentle slopes ensure good drainage and exposure to sunlight, promoting even ripening and concentration of flavors in the grapes.
Climate
The climate in Ruispiri is classified as a humid subtropical climate, characterized by warm summers and mild winters. This climate provides ideal conditions for the Saperavi grape to ripen fully, enhancing its flavor profile while retaining essential acidity.
Temperature
Temperature variations between day and night are significant in this region, helping to preserve the freshness and acidity of the grapes. The warm daytime temperatures encourage ripening, while cooler nights allow for the development of aromatic compounds, resulting in a well-balanced and complex wine.
Soil
The vineyards benefit from fertile clay and limestone soils that are rich in minerals. These soil types contribute to the complex flavors and structure of the wine, allowing the Saperavi grapes to thrive and develop their characteristic depth and richness.
Food Pairing
Grilled Meats
The wine’s robust tannins complement grilled or roasted red meats, such as lamb, beef, or pork, enhancing the savory notes of the dish.
Spicy Dishes
Pairing with spicy cuisine, like Georgian khachapuri or lamb kebabs, balances the heat while highlighting the wine’s fruitiness.
Rich Stews
Hearty stews, particularly those featuring slow-cooked meats and vegetables, benefit from Saperavi Reserve’s depth and complexity.
Aged Cheeses
The wine’s acidity and tannins cut through the creaminess of aged cheeses, such as aged Gouda or sharp cheddar, making for a delightful pairing.
Dark Chocolate Desserts
For a unique dessert pairing, consider dark chocolate or rich chocolate-based desserts, which echo the wine’s fruit and oak characteristics.
Serving Temperature
Saperavi Reserve is best enjoyed at a serving temperature of 16-18°C (60-65°F). At this temperature, the wine’s complex aromas and flavors are fully expressed, allowing you to appreciate its depth and richness.
Chilling: If the wine has been stored at a higher temperature, it can be gently chilled in an ice bucket for about 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid serving it too cold, as this can mute the wine’s flavors and aromas.
Glassware: Use a large red wine glass to allow for proper aeration, which will further enhance the wine’s aromatic profile.
By serving Saperavi Reserve at the ideal temperature, you can maximize your tasting experience and enjoy all the nuances this exceptional wine has to offer.