Very dark, robust expression of saperavi, a grape famous for its dark flesh—most wine grape flesh is very pale or has no color.
Schuchmann makes this bottling using “European techniques” that include fermentation in stainless steel. The winery also makes a saperavi wine using traditional Georgian qvevri. This non-qvevri effort is less exotic. Think of it wearing a sports coat instead of a folk costume, but it remains an experience more than worth trying, especially at this price point. $14-20
Saperavi means “paint,” “dye,” or “give color” in Georgian, referencing the wine’s deep purple-ruby color. Saperavi is used to make wines with somewhat high alcohol—by Georgian standards. Georgian wines tend to be in the 12% ABV range; this effort is 13.5% ABV. Saperavi is one of the world’s few teinturier grapes—it has red flesh in addition to its red skin. The result is the wine’s very distinct dark color. Unlike Schuchmann’s “Vinoterra” saperavi bottling, this saperavi effort is made using European techniques. The result is more freshness—and a lower price. This is unoaked, further differentiating it from the Vinoterra bottling, which spends a year in barrel.
The Georgian wine tradition has enjoyed a significant rebound since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. German-born Burkhard Schuchmann founded his winery in 2008. A wine connoisseur, Schuchmann discovered Georgian wines through his travels. He hired native Georgian Dr. Gogi Dakishvili, a third generation winemaker, to manage production. The winery is located in the village of Kisiskhevi in Eastern Georgia’s wine district, Kakheti. Kakheti is known for its beauty—landscapes, mountains, lakes, waterfalls, historical landmarks, and wineries. The district makes some 75% of the wine made in Georgia. Georgia likely is where humans first produced wine—adjacent Armenia also can make that claim—and winemaking traditions in Kakheti date back at least 6,000 years. The winery prides itself on using traditional Georgian techniques paired with German ingenuity “to produce age-worthy and memorable wines.”
Schuchmann Saperavi Red Wine, Kakheti, Georgia 2021: Deep purple-ruby color; black plum, blackberry, blueberry, black cherries, raspberry, black pepper, sweet spice on the nose and palate. Dry; supple, polished tannins; balancing acidity. Full body, feels rich and robust in the mouth. Made with 100% saperavi grapes, the most-grown red grape in Georgia (rkatsiteli is the most-grown white). Vines are as old as 80 years. This is an excellent value, well worth finding and tasting.
Pairing—Grilled lamb, beef kebabs, ribeye steak, pork with plum or blackberry sauce. Georgian-style dishes, mtsvadi, khinkali, herbed lamb stew, satsivi, pilaf. Barbecued meats, brisket, pork shoulder, smoked sausage. Rich poultry, game; duck, goose, game birds, roast chicken with herbs. Meat-lover pizza, lasagna, baked pasta with sausage. Cheese—Hard, aged cheeses; aged cheddar, gouda, parmesan, pecorino, blue cheese.
