Georgia: Kakheti

Pairs best with roasted lamb, beef, or game, as well as stews, barbecued meats, and hard cheeses. Its acidity and power allow it to complement both rich and spicy dishes.

Saperavi is Georgia’s most iconic red grape variety, cultivated mainly in the Kakheti region of eastern Georgia. The name means “to dye” or “to paint,” referring to the grape’s rare trait as a teinturier—its skin and flesh are both pigmented. Known for producing deeply colored, structured, and ageworthy wines, Saperavi stands as the backbone of Georgian red winemaking.

• Appearance: Saperavi wines are intensely dark—deep ruby to inky purple or almost black. With age, they develop garnet and brick reflections while maintaining exceptional color depth.
• Aromas & Flavors: Expect complex aromas of black cherry, blackberry, and plum, with undertones of spice, tobacco, and black pepper. Mature or qvevri expressions add notes of leather, smoke, earth, and dried herbs.
• Style & Structure: Full-bodied with firm tannins, vibrant acidity, and high extract. Saperavi adapts to a wide range of winemaking styles—from fresh stainless steel reds to rich oak-aged or traditional qvevri wines. It also performs well in semi-sweet, fortified, and sparkling versions.
• Character: Saperavi embodies the strength and soul of Georgian red wine—bold, structured, and enduring. It combines power with balance, making it one of the world’s most distinctive and collectible red varieties.