Deep ruby color; cherry, raspberry, strawberry, blueberry, soft spice, rose buds, violets, earth on the nose and palate.
Dry; soft tannins; good acidity. Light-medium body. Leans on finesse and freshness rather than vivid fruit or power. Gentle, very easy drinker. Aleksandrouli is a distinct indigenous Georgian grape variety found primarily in the Racha-Lechkhumi region in the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains. This is Villa Chven’s pure aleksandrouli play (the grape often is paired with dzelshavi or mujuretuli, but not here). The wine aged six months in French oak instead of the more common qvevri. The oak decision makes for smooth texture and elegance. 14.5% ABV
The Republic of Georgia very likely is where winemaking began 8,000 years ago. Humans undoubtedly experienced wine when it occurred naturally prior to that, but it is in Georgia where wine became the conscious work work of humans. It is where they oldest wine-making site has been discovered. The Georgian language word for wine is ghvino, which means our word “wine” likely has its origin in Georgia. Sadly, Georgian winemaking suffered under communism. Quantity was emphasized, grape varieties limited. Fortunately, individual Georgians preserved their unique indigenous varieties in backyard plots. When the Soviet Union fell in 1989, Georgian wine began a roaring comeback, although it is not yet completely free from Russia (Putin invaded and seized 20% of Georgia in 2008).
Racha, where Villa Chven Winery is located, is one of Georgia’s most historic wine regions. Steep mountain slopes, mineral-rich soils, and a cool, temperate climate shape wines of good structure, vibrant acidity, and impressive aromatics. The region’s indigenous grape varieties include aleksandrouli, mujuretuli, dzelshavi, and tsolikouri.
Villa Chven is a female-owned boutique winery dedicated to preserving and revitalizing Georgia’s wine making heritage. The website notes: “In Georgian, ‘chven’ means ‘us.’ We created this wine for wine lovers to experience Racha’s uniqueness—its land, its grapes, and its soul. We believe that enjoying Villa Chven wines will unite us—in a love of wine, a love of Georgia, and a toast to a bright future.”
Villa Chven’s founder, la Meurmishvili, has a fascinating story. She is the president and CEO of Independence Avenue Media, a Washington DC-based international journalism organization. She spent 15 years at Voice of America as managing editor of the Georgian Service. She started Villa Chven to support winegrowers in Georgia and particularly to provide Georgians stable access to the United States market.
On the website la Meurmishvili notes: “At Villa Chven, our mission is to show global wine lovers that Georgia can produce wines of exceptional quality. Our wines are not just about history; they are about craftsmanship, elegance, and a sense of place. We believe that once people try high-quality Georgian wines, especially those from Racha, they will see that we are on par with some of the best wines from France, Italy, and California. Villa Chven is bringing Georgia’s winemaking excellence to the world—one bottle at a time.”
Villa Chven Aleksandrouli Red Wine, Georgia 2022 is a lush, supple, deliciously round, mild tannins pure expression of the aleksandrouli grape from the part of the world where winemaking began. Good depth, smooth, refined texture. Can be compared to a Willamette Valley pinot noir. $25
Pairing—Georgian cuisine, of course; khachapuri (a cheese-filled bread), mtsavadi (Georgian grilled meat), pkhali (walnut-based pâtés). Grilled steaks, burgers, barbecued ribs, slow-cooked brisket; slow-cooked lamb dishes; baby back ribs; meat lover pizza, pizza in general; duck breast with herb sauces. Cheese—Aged gouda, parmesan, parmigiano-reggiano, pecorino romano, manchego, grutère, comté, aged cheddar; brie, camembert.