Casreli Saperavi 2021 [Georgia / Red / Full-bodied]

■ Appearance: Deep dark ruby.

■ Aroma: Initially somewhat reserved, with a prominent alcoholic nose. Slowly, sharp, unripe dark fruit notes of blackberry and dark cherry emerge, accented by a distinct, slightly metallic aroma reminiscent of green walnut shells.

■ Palate: Austere and firmly structured. Dominated by high acidity and aggressive, drying tannins, the palate remains tight and restrained, offering only subtle hints of tart, unripe blackberry and leather.

Crafted by winemaker Misha Dridze at Kasreli Winery, located in Kakheti's historic Vachnadziani Valley.
With an extremely limited annual production of just 2,000 bottles, this wine pays homage to Georgia’s ancient winemaking traditions. Combining organic farming principles with pure Qvevri fermentation, Kasreli has crafted a wine of exceptional depth, texture, and authentic character.

Saperavi (meaning ‘dye’ or ‘color’ in Georgian) is Georgia’s most famous and ancient indigenous black grape variety. It is unique among the world's most notable red grapes for having both red skin and red flesh—a "teinturier" variety—resulting in wines of extraordinary color depth, structure, and aging potential.

The grapes are hand-harvested in early September and carefully destemmed. Fermentation took place entirely with wild yeasts in traditional underground clay Qvevri. The wine underwent three weeks of skin contact (destemmed) and natural malolactic fermentation. It was clarified only by gravity and bottled completely unfiltered to preserve its living essence.

Recommended perfect matches for this wine:

• ■ Grilled Lamb Chops (or traditional Georgian Mtsvadi): The wine's firm tannins cut through the richness of the lamb, while its dark fruit notes complement the smoky, savory flavors of the meat.
• ■ Rich Beef Stew: The earthy depth of Qvevri-made Saperavi beautifully harmonizes with slow-cooked, flavorful gravies and root vegetables.
• ■ Aged Hard Cheeses (such as Gouda or aged Cheddar): The bold structure of the wine stands up to the sharp, umami notes of these cheeses.

Serving Temperature: 16℃〜18℃ (Enjoy at this temperature range to bring out its full richness.)

Shalauri Akhevi, Vachnadziani Valley, Kakheti (Elevation: 450m)

Cultivated according to uncertified organic farming principles in nutrient-rich clay and silt soils. Planted in 2018, the vines are meticulously managed, with yields kept low at just 6 tons per hectare. This conscious restriction concentrates the grape's flavors, ensuring the premium quality required for the prestigious Mukuzani PDO. Kasreli is known for its uncompromising dedication to authentic, low-intervention Georgian winemaking, allowing the true voice of Kakheti's terroir to shine without modern manipulations.