100% Saperavi from the Chandrebi Vineyard in the Napareuli sub region, Kakheti. The vines are 7 - 25 years old, planted on stony, sandy
alluvail soils at a density of 2,700vines/ha and an altitude of 450 - 600m. The grapes were harvested by hand with a yield of 45 - 50hl/ha
in a later than usual vintage. A pre-fermentation maceration for 48 hours at 12 - 14°C took place followed by a 8 - 9 day temperaturecontrolled
fermentation in stainless steel tanks with Laffort’s F15 yeast. Regular pumpovers and punch-downs were utilised. Gentle
extended pressing in membrane pneumatic presses, full malo then matured in 285l barrels of 80% American oak and 20% French oak
for 14 months. Winemaker Lado Uzunashvili. Alc 12.5%, TA 6.3g/l, pH 3.5, RS < 2.0g/l. Waitrose Wine Direct and 20 branches.DWWA 2011 Silver Medal Winner.

Crazily heavy bottle. More money spent on bottle than wine, I’d have thought. Ripe, almost tropical, aroma. Fruity, with a good tannic backbone and attractive oak, but it’s really not a £15.99 wine. Have never tasted saperavi before, so have no idea whether it’s typical.

06/10/11

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mel