Tasting the Red Wines of Georgia, 2025 Releases
The wines we are trying today make a strong argument for stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new grape varietals and regions — with all of these wines born in the country of Georgia. Three of the four are made with the Saperavi grape. This grape may not be well known in the U.S., but I’ve found it is consistently a big hit with fans of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. As a wine, it shows deep, fruity notes coupled with silky tannins and ample acidity. It will pair beautifully with steak, a burger, pork, or even grilled chicken. The wine that is not made with Saperavi is a blend that will appeal to fans of Pinot Noir. All four of the wines hit well above their price point. Let’s dig in.
2019 Avanduri Mukuzani – Mukuzani is made from the Saperavi grape and comes from the Kakheti region of Georgia. It pours deep purple, almost black in color and offers a gentle nose of musty plum, blueberries, and bay leaves. The palate is fruity and deep with plum and blueberry followed by an herbaceous note. The mix of fruit and herbs gives the wine a rustic character that I found quite enjoyable. The wine shows medium acidity and a fairly long finish. It is inviting enough to drink on its own, but I expect it would pair brilliantly with pork chops. A- / $33
NV 8K Ancient Red, Teliani Valley – This very affordable wine made from the Saperavi grape is aged in traditional clay amphora, which is called the “Qvevri” process in Georgia. The nose is bold with musty cherry, raspberry, and pomegranate. The palate follows suit and introduces a very slight earthy funkiness that is common in amphora wines. There is some lovely depth to the fruit here along with gentle, drying tannins and a good mouthfeel. For the price, it is just about unbeatable. B+ / $10
2022 Dugladze Kindzmarauli Semi-Sweet Red – This wine, made with Saperavi grapes, shows pleasant aromas of musty blueberry and raspberry. As the name suggests, it is indeed semi-sweet, but it is not cloying. On the palate, the blueberry and raspberry are lightly sweet and juicy. Midpalate brings vanilla, light-to-medium acidity, and some gentle drying tannins, but the finish is shorter than I would like. For those who shy away from super-dry reds like Chianti, this will be a hit. B / $18
2022 Villa Chven Aleksandrouli – Dzelshavi – 75% Alexandrouli, 25% Dzelshavi. With its fruitiness and lighter body, this wine will appeal to fans of California Pinot Noir. Bing cherry and blueberry notes come together nicely on the nose and palate along with a silky mouthfeel and good acidity. The wine has a medium finish that closes with gently drying tannins. This is a crowd pleaser that will pair well with a range of different foods, from grilled chicken to pasta to veal. B+ / $24
The post Tasting the Red Wines of Georgia, 2025 Releases appeared first on Drinkhacker: The Insider’s Guide to Good Drinking.