Lagvinari Rkatsiteli 2021

Drink now or cellar for up to 8 years. Serve chilled. This unusual white wine comes from the small mountainous country of Georgia which is one of the oldest winemaking countries in the world. Lagvinari winery was founded by Eko Glonti, a former medical doctor who later became a geologist, who is passionate about sustainable, organic, and natural winemaking. Eko made his first wines at the age of 49 in collaboration with esteemed natural wine journalist Isabelle Legeron. The estate is located in Georgia’s premier wine region, Kakheti, where winemaking practices have remained unchanged for generations. This cuvee is made from the indigenous Rkatsiteli grape and is fermented and matured for 9 months in qvevri or giant clay pots that are buried underground. The first thing you’ll notice is the deep amber hue which comes from the 6 months of skin contact in the qvevri. This traditional process also adds enticing notes of pine, spice and toasted nuts to the ripe apple, quince and pear notes from the grape variety. On the palate there’s a solid medium body, smooth tannins, and a long, complex finish. A great wine to cellar for a few more years or serve now alongside spicy Indian dishes or Lebanese and Turkish cuisine.

Price: £27.18 from 8wines UK