White Dry Tradition Qvevri Wine
SKU: 806723 Vazisubani Estate – Rkatsiteli Qvevri
Type: White Dry Clay Pot “Qvevri” Wine
Country of Origin: Georgia
Supplier: Vazisubani Estate
Description: Rkatsiteli the most traditional and established white grape variety of the Kakheti Region, Eastern Georgia. It has the longest wine grape histories in the world, with DNA evidence tracing it back at least 5000 years as one of the earliest cultivated wine grape varieties in the world. It is also the most common and widely planted white grape variety in Georgia. It translates as “Red Horn.” It produces wine that have a good structure with high acidity, fruity, spicy and floral aromas. It is often harvested later in October to help bring down acidity levels. Naturally high in alcohol wines are produced and it is an ideal grape for long macerations in Qvevri due to its high acidity. Despite modern technological advancements, Qvevri egg-shaped pots – known as amphora in other wine-making regions – range in size from 200 to 10,000 liters, and are painstakingly hand-crafted. Before use, Qvevri are carefully cleaned and coated with beeswax before juice is added, and then completely sealed to further prevent contamination and oxidation. The natural yeasts of the grapes allow fermentation without additives, and the natural tannin prevent spoilage without artificial preservatives. The vessels’ conical shape allows yeast and sediment to settle to the bottom freely while the wine is allowed to circulate within the wider center. When buried underground, Qvevri maintain the temperature of fermenting wine like modern temperature-controlled tanks do. the Qvevri is a reminder that wine-making in Georgia is not a borrowed tradition.
Grape Variety: Rkatsiteli an ancient pale-skinned grape variety from Kakheti Eastern Georgia Thought to have been cultivated there for several millennia, during the 1st century A.D. Rkatsiteli remains Georgia’s most popular white-wine grape variety even today, and complements the most popular red-wine grape, Saperavi Although found all over Georgia. Rkatsiteli makes noticeably acidic but balanced white wines with a full flavor profile and good body. Restrained and refreshing, with crisp green-apple flavors and hints of quince and white peach.
Vintage: 2017
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Taste: This wine, made in the Traditional Georgian way in subterranean terracotta jars – Qvevri, exhibits powerful notes of dried fruit such as apricots and dates as well as roasted nuts. Full bodied taste, rich of fine tannin from traditional long maceration, shows suppleness and is bountiful. . This style of Rkatsiteli wines can be aged for up to 5 – 6 years, while developing quite complex and beautiful bouquet and aroma of dried fruit and nuts. Body is somewhat tannin and exuberant.
Perfect with different cheeses and meat products both stewed and fried.
Best to enjoy at 8 – 10°C.
