GRAPES: 40% RKATSITELI, 40% MTSVANE, 20% BUERA
SKIN CONTACT: 6 MONTHS
REGION: KAKHETI, GEORGIA
Vinification method: Ghvardzelashvilis Marani produces distinguishable natural wine using traditional Georgian methods. The vineyard cultivates all of its grapes through organic processes and is a member of the Natural Wine Association. Ghvardzelashvili’s Marani produces natural, unfiltered, traditional Georgian kvevri wine without using sulfites. The vineyard has views of the stunning Caucasus Mountains on a five-hectare territory, where local grape varietals are cultivated. Ghvardzelashvilis Marani produces three types of wines, GUA- Rkatsiteli-Mtsvane-Buera, LUKA-Saperavi, and NINO- Zhgia, a scarce grape variety.
It is produced very traditionally using a satsnakheli, a foot-stomping wine press, to crush the grapes. Then, it is fermented and set in kvevri buried underground in the traditional Georgian style. It is produced in very limited quantities. It is bottled unfiltered, unfined, and with no added SO2.
Tasting notes: full-bodied, black tea, bergamot, apricot skin, coriander, layers
Pairings: braised lamb shank served with zucchini and walnuts
