Wine Type
Red Semi Sweet Wine
Alcohol
12-13 %
Alazani Valley
Region
Telavi, Village Kurdgelauri
Terroir
Ruispiri
Vinification
Stainless Steel Tanks
Serving Temperature
8–10°C (46–50°F)
Ageing Potential
5 years
Ageing Period
1-2 years
Wine Type
Red Semi Sweet Wine
Grape Variety (Varietal)
Saperavi
Alcohol
12-13 %
Alazani Valley
Region
Telavi, Village Kurdgelauri
Terroir
Ruispiri
Vinification
Stainless Steel Tanks
Serving Temperature
8–10°C (46–50°F)
Ageing Potential
5 years
Ageing Period
1-2 years
Alazani Valley
Wine Type
Red Semi Sweet Wine
Grape Variety (Varietal)
Saperavi
Alcohol
12-13 %
Region
Telavi, Village Kurdgelauri
Terroir
Ruispiri
Vinification
Stainless Steel Tanks
Serving Temperature
8–10°C (46–50°F)
Ageing Potential
5 years
Ageing Period
1-2 years
Vinification
Alazani Valley, a red semi-sweet wine crafted from 100% Saperavi grapes, undergoes a careful vinification process to preserve its fruitiness and natural sweetness. The grapes are hand-harvested at optimal ripeness to ensure the highest quality. After destemming and crushing, the must is transferred to stainless steel tanks for fermentation.
Temperature-controlled fermentation takes place to enhance the fresh, vibrant characteristics of the Saperavi
varietal. The stainless steel tanks also prevent any oxidation, maintaining the wine’s bright color and aromatic profile. After fermentation, the wine is kept in these tanks for a period of maturation, allowing the flavors to integrate while maintaining its semi-sweet style. The result is a well-balanced wine that showcases the essence of the Saperavi grape.
Tasting Notes
Aroma
varietal. The stainless steel tanks also prevent any oxidation, maintaining the wine’s bright color and aromatic profile. After fermentation, the wine is kept in these tanks for a period of maturation, allowing the flavors to integrate while maintaining its semi-sweet style. The result is a well-balanced wine that showcases the essence of the Saperavi grape.
Style
Alazani Valley is crafted in a semi-sweet style, making it accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of palates. It strikes a harmonious balance between fruitiness and sweetness, perfect for both casual sipping and pairing with food.
Palate
On the palate, this wine showcases a rich and velvety texture, with flavors of dark fruits dominating. Juicy blackberry and ripe cherry flavors are balanced by a soft sweetness, enhancing the wine’s overall appeal.
Acidity
The wine exhibits moderate acidity, which provides freshness and structure, balancing the sweetness and enhancing the overall drinking experience. This acidity makes the wine versatile for food pairing.
Finish
The finish is smooth and lingering, with a pleasant sweetness that leaves a warm, fruity impression. Hints of spice and a touch of oak from the vinification process add complexity and depth.
Tannins
The tannins are soft and well-integrated, providing a gentle backbone to the wine. They contribute to the wine’s smooth mouthfeel without overpowering the fruit-forward character, making Alazani Valley a delightful choice for both novice and experienced wine drinkers.
Texture
Color
Alazani Valley displays a vibrant ruby red hue, indicative of its youthful character and the Saperavi grape variety. The color is bright and alluring, capturing light beautifully in the glass.
Appearance
The appearance of Alazani Valley is clear and bright, with no noticeable sediment. Its clarity showcases its freshness and vibrancy, inviting you to take your first sip.
Viscosity
The wine has a medium viscosity, evident when swirled in the glass, with slow, graceful legs that suggest a rich texture and a touch of sweetness.
Mouthfeel
The mouthfeel is smooth and velvety, with a soft touch that coats the palate. The gentle sweetness complements the fruit flavors, creating a harmonious experience that lingers pleasantly.
Body
This wine possesses a medium body, offering a pleasant weight on the palate. It strikes a balance between lightness and richness, making it approachable and versatile for various occasions.
Nose
The nose is aromatic and inviting, filled with layers of dark fruit aromas, floral notes, and hints of spice. This aromatic complexity enhances the overall drinking experience, drawing you in with each inhalation.
Terroir
Terroir and Origin
Alazani Valley is crafted from Saperavi grapes sourced from the picturesque village of Kurdgelauri in the Telavi region, known for its unique terroir within the Ruispiri area. This terroir imparts distinct characteristics to the wine, reflecting the local environment, traditions, and winemaking practices.
Altitude & Slope
The vineyards are situated at an altitude of 400 to 600 meters above sea level, with gentle slopes that promote good air circulation and sunlight exposure. The elevation contributes to the grapes’ flavor development, enhancing their complexity and freshness.
Climate
The climate in the Telavi region is classified as humid subtropical, with warm summers and mild winters. This favorable climate allows for a long growing season, enabling the Saperavi grapes to reach optimal ripeness while retaining their acidity, essential for balanced semi-sweet wines.
Temperature
Temperature fluctuations between day and night are significant in this region, especially during the growing season. Warm days foster ripening, while cooler nights help preserve the acidity and aromatic profiles of the grapes, ultimately leading to a well-rounded and flavorful wine.
Soil
The soil in this region is predominantly clay and limestone, enriched with organic matter, which provides excellent drainage and nutrient retention. This soil composition is ideal for growing Saperavi, allowing the vines to develop deep root systems that access essential minerals and water.
Food Pairing
Alazani Valley, with its delightful semi-sweet profile, pairs well with a variety of dishes that complement its fruity and sweet characteristics. Here are some suggestions:
Cheese
Soft cheeses like brie or camembert create a beautiful balance with the wine’s sweetness, while blue cheese enhances the flavors.
Spicy Cuisine
Spicy Asian dishes, like Thai curry or Szechuan stir-fry, provide an exciting contrast, with the wine’s sweetness tempering the heat.
Poultry
Roasted or grilled chicken with fruit-based sauces, such as apricot or peach glaze, pairs harmoniously with the wine’s fruit notes.
Desserts
Fruit-based desserts, such as berry tarts or peach cobbler, are perfect matches, as well as chocolate desserts, especially dark chocolate mousse, which enhances the wine’s rich flavors.
Pork
Dishes like honey-glazed ham or pork tenderloin with apple chutney work well, as the sweetness of the wine complements the savory meat.
Mediterranean Dishes
Grilled vegetables drizzled with balsamic reduction or dishes featuring olives and capers offer a savory contrast that complements the wine’s profile.
Serving Temperature
Alazani Valley is best enjoyed chilled to enhance its refreshing qualities and vibrant fruit flavors. The ideal serving temperature is 8–10°C (46–50°F). Chilling the wine helps to balance its sweetness and acidity, allowing for a crisp, enjoyable tasting experience.
To achieve the perfect serving temperature, place the bottle in the refrigerator for about 2–3 hours before serving. Alternatively, you can use an ice bucket filled with ice and water for about 20–30 minutes to quickly chill the wine. This ensures that every sip is refreshing and highlights the delightful characteristics of Alazani Valley.
