This week we held a virtual presentation on the UK market for Georgian Wine for retailers, importers and writers. Sarah Abbott MW explained the background of Georgian wine terroir, culture, history and wine styles, and how they appeal to the UK market. Georgian wine sales in the UK are booming (we are one of the fastest-growing markets, with exports in 2020 up by more than 200% on the previous year).
An amber wine made from fermenting Rkatsiteli on the skins. A delicate, fresh, floral and lightly tropical style of amber wine. Admired for its pure, juicy, modern take on the orange wine style, and also for the lovely packaging. Screwcap!
3. 2014 Qvevri Bouquet Kisi, made by Mildiani Family Winery and imported by GInVinoA hit with Rose Murray Brown MW, and a lovely example of the nuanced and complex aromatics that come with aged amber Kisi.
4. 2017 Chinuri Qvevri, made by Lagvinari and imported by Georgian Wine Club – London
Refined, sleek and lively amber wine, with savoury herbal character and Lagvinari’s trademark subtle intensity. Chinari is a classic grape of the Kartli region.
6. 2019 Saperavi, made by Tbilvino and imported by Berkmann Wine Cellars
Juicy, plump and bursting with fresh cherry and blackcurrant. Tbilvino are known for their impeccable purity and fruit-forward style. This Saperavi, fermented in stainless steel, is a great example of the fruity fresh face of this chameleon grape.
7. 2017 Shavkapito, made by Château Mukhrani and imported by Georgian Wine Guild
Likened by one of our tasters to a full-bodied version of a Fleury (perhaps crossed with a Cabernet Franc!), this scented and light footed grape from Kartli was a hit.
8. 2017 Mukuzani, made by Chateau Svanidze and imported by #Gardabani Wines.
The most famous PDO for Saperavi, made in stainless steel and oak barrels to give a structured dry red. Gardabani are a new importer specialising in Georgian and Italian wines.
9. 2017 Saperavi, made by Archil Utiashvili (aka Telavi Old Cellar).
Beautiful qvevri Saperavi, plush and textured with notes of wild cherry and garrique. Full but balanced, at 13.5% alcohol.
10. 2017 Saperavi, made by Lado Uzanishvili of Vazisubani Estate and imported by Gvino UK
The second of this final pair of qvevri Saperavi, this is a lush, layered, exotic dry red, with lively power and a long seductive finish.
Link to the edited recording of the masterclass here:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/0ui4sw1bv3sqz5k/GMT20210421-092952_Recording_1760x900.mp4?dl=0
