Bedoba Saperavi 2021
Bedoba Saperavi is made from grapes sourced from vineyards located in the classic and traditional micro-zones of Kindzmarauli and Kvareli, in the Kakheti wine region of Georgia. The vineyards are on average 30 years old and situated in a valley where the Duruji River used to run. The soils here are rich in black shale and the southern slopes of the Caucasus Mountains provide altitudes of over 400 metres above sea level, bringing fresh acidity and soft tannins. Sustainable and organic practices are observed in the vineyards and harvest is carried out by hand. A small fraction of the fruit is fermented in whole bunches, and a selection of the grapes are left to dry naturally on the vines until November, ensuring a fine balance between the savoury and spicy elements of the grape. Stainless steel tanks and clay qvevri pots are used for fermentation, encapsulating the combination of innovation and tradition employed by Ksovreli and Fontannaz. Second and third fill American oak barrels as well as 5,000 litre wooden vats are employed for ageing. The final cuvee is a blend of 55% Saperavi matured in stainless-steel, 15% in 5000 litre wooden vats, 20% in second and third 225 litre American oak barrels and 10% Qvevri. After bottling, the wine remained in the cellar for a further six months before release. The Bedoba Saperavi is dark purple in colour. The nose opens with a powerful savoury-spicy bouquet of blackberries, herbs, flowers and black pepper. The palate has a creamy, juicy texture, ripe tannins and black fruit flavours.