Wines Telavi Tbilvino - Saperavi - 2021

Viniou Reviews

Tbilvino’s Cuvée Saperavi 2021 from Telavi, Kakheti, is a vivid example of Georgia’s vinicultural heritage, offering both power and elegance in the glass. Crafted from Saperavi, the flagship red grape variety of Georgia, this wine is noted for its deep garnet robe and intense aromas. Saperavi is a teinturier grape, meaning both its skin and flesh are colored, yielding strikingly dark wines. The 2021 vintage benefits from a balanced growing season, blending ripe, brooding black fruit with lifted acidity and hints of spice and earth. Winemaking here often involves fermentation in stainless steel or large oak to preserve varietal purity and freshness, though some producers might experiment with traditional qvevri amphorae.

Kakheti, in eastern Georgia, is the country’s most famous wine region, lauded for its millennia-old viticultural tradition. The zone around Telavi enjoys a continental climate, marked by hot, sunny days and cool nights that ensure rich grape ripening while retaining freshness. Well-draining alluvial and clay-calcareous soils give Saperavi structure and minerality, traits that define the region’s best reds. Georgian winemaking dates back over 8,000 years with roots deeply embedded in everyday culture, and Kakheti remains at its heart, blending tradition with innovation.

Saperavi’s full-bodied, tannic, and spicy nature makes it a fantastic partner for grilled meats, especially lamb shashlik or pork kebabs so popular in Georgian feasts. It is also excellent with rich stews like chakapuli or hearty mushroom dishes, and can stand up to aged cheeses and roasted vegetables. Regional fare such as khinkali (meat dumplings) or badrijani nigvzit (eggplant with walnut paste) will find a sympathetic and bold companion in the glass.

For the ideal tasting experience, serve Tbilvino Saperavi 2021 at 16-18°C. Decanting for about an hour will help the wine reveal its youthful fruit, savory undertones, and light floral notes. This wine can be enjoyed now for its vigor or cellared for a few years to increase complexity.