Unsung Hero: Georgia
Saperavi Mukuzani, Vachnadziani Vineyards, Nekresi Estate – 2022 $16.96 for a limited time
Since I started working at Astor, the Nekresi Estate wines have been a standout for me – I am a huge fan of their amber wines and white! Now I can say I am a fan of their red wine as well! As the name ‘Mukuzani’ reflects, this is a red wine made from Saperavi that has been aged in both traditional qvevri vessels AND oak. I’m not always a fan of oaked reds, however the bold fruity acidity really balances out the roundness from the oak. The result is a robust and gorgeous red that can stand up to a variety of heavier meals. – Vic Pagan, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Poliphonia, Pheasant’s Tears – 2024 $23.96
You can see by the number of staff picks that adorn these bins, that Georgia is quite popular with us Astor people. I’m sure each of us have our own reasons. For me, Georgian wines provide a change of pace as they are deliciously different. Pheasant’s Tears is a library vineyard that grows over 400 varieties of grapes, all native to Georgia. Most of these were reintroduced as the old Soviet Union banned growing them. Poliphonia manages to feature over 100 of them. Although labeled as a rosé, it drinks more like a soft, chillable red. It shows deep black cherry flavors, with a touch of leather and cola. Fine cottony tannins also add weight and acidity gives it freshness. Great with a fried chicken sandwich. – Chung Park, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Chkhaveri, Pheasant’s Tears – 2024 $25.99
Circumstance once brought American John Wurdeman to Georgia. While there, he discovered his true calling with Georgian wines. He was mesmerized by the 8000 year old traditions and terroir of Georgian winemaking. He was amazed to discover the over 500 rare varietals that grew in the country. He was introduced to Gela Patalishvili and started the Pheasant’s Tears winery. Together, they planted many near extinct species of grapes. Chkhaveri is one of these varietals. Its pinkish red skin allows the grape to be adept at making light red, rosé, and white wine. Pheasant’s Tears Chkhaveri is vinified red with a week of skin maceration. It’s bright, crisp, mineral driven wine that appears a clear crimson in the glass. It smells of bright cherries, roses, and yeast. Flavors of red berries, and pineapple grace the palate with a gravelly minerality. – Chung Park, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Artizani, Saperavi – 2022 $29.96
Classified as a teinturier grape, Saperavi contains a deep red pigment in both its skin and pulp! Crush one of these grapes, and the inside is red! This can be tough to tame, as the color quickly becomes inky purple during maceration. Artizani’s Saperavi strives for balance with this unique grape, and the results are nothing short of outstanding! With a harmonious balance between juicy blueberries and black currants, earthy undertones, and smooth tannins, you may have just found your new favorite Georgian red. I know I did! Ultimately, choosing only 7 days of skin contact and using stainless steel vessels for fermentation and aging, a distinct freshness is retained here. We are left with a wine made without fining, filtration, or the addition of sulfites. Each of these decisions help to make this wine even more distinctive! – Alex Malecki, Sales Manager