Askaneli Saperavi, Dora | 2017

Kvareli is a small town in the Kakheti region of eastern Georgia in the Alazani Valley. In the backdrop you can see the Greater Caucasus Mountains to the north and the Gareja hills and to the south and east (toward Azerbaijan). This is Saperavi heartland, the deep, spiraling flesh-colored “Teinturier” variety that taste like Salta Malbec meets bloody Southern Rhône. With some bottle age, this Dora 2017, aged 5 months in Qvevri, is an equal balance of savory and fruity. Dark plump fruits roll into bits of smoke, cured meat, and herby spice. There’s a French-like appeal with its pretty tannins and tang finish. Steak dinner, winner. ~Allegra A