Marani Kindzmarauli 2023

Enjoy now, or cellar for a few years. No need to decant before serving. From their wine cellar that is nestled between two huge mountain ranges in the Alazani River Valley, Marani have spread the taste of Georgian wine to the entire world. Telavi Wine Cellar was founded in 1915 and is situated in one of the oldest wine-making regions in the world, Kakheti. Marani own three vineyard sites, 240 hectares in Kondoli, where red, white, international, and native grapes are all grown, a small vineyard in the Napareuli appellation, and a further 30 hectares on the left bank of the Alazani river. Here on the left bank, robust Saperavi fruit is grown exclusively, for the sole purpose of creating the medium sweet red: Kindzmarauli. Wild scents of crushed raspberry and blackberry jam erupt from this inky, dark red. The Saperavi fruits are harvested at their deepest shade of purple, the absolute peak of ripeness, before being softly crushed, de-stemmed, and fermented in stainless steel tanks. A thick, velvety feeling of confiture is present on the palate, with prevailing flavours of ripe, dark forest berries. The finish on this Kindzmarauli is long, with refreshing acidity and the lingering taste of fruit. It will pair superbly with rich fruit cake or full-flavoured soft cheeses.

Price: £13.48 from 8wines UK