Saperavi

By Paul Caputo

Saperavi is Georgia’s top grape variety. Its thick red skins and ability to produce wines of structure and complexity that are capable of improving with age has helped to build a great deal of excitement about the Saperavi grape and the coming years will undoubtedly see further acclaim and attention on it.

As a very old variety, it is grown throughout Georgia; some statistics suggest that it covers 10% of all plantings. Regardless, it finds a natural home in Kakheti and in particular the region’s designated appellations of Napareuli, Mukuzani and Kindzmarauli.

One of the most exciting things about Saperavi is that it appears to be more sensitive to the conditions of its vineyards than other varieties. This flexibility has lead to far more focus and attention on it than any other Georgian grape.