Khvanchkara 2021 (Tbilvino)

Cellar for up to 15 years. Decant for up to an hour before serving. This Khvanchkara wine is a velvety, off-dry red, steeped in aromas of wild strawberry, pomegranate, smoke and caramel. It is a blend of lesser known Georgian grapes: Mujuretuli and Aleksandrouli, two naturally sweet varieties that grow on the slopes of the Caucasus Mountains in the Khvanchkara appellation. Tbilvino’s incredible range of wines captures some of the best appellations in Georgia, including Khvanchkara, Kindzmarauli and Mukuzani. It was founded in 1962, and has steadily grown into one of the country’s most important wineries, garnering praise at home and abroad. These days, it is under the ownership of brothers Zurab and Giorgi Margvelashvili, who have ushered in a new era of success, winning prizes at the IWC, Decanter London, and Mondial. On the palate of this subtly sweet red, you can discover delightful notes of stewed pomegranate, raspberry and strawberry, supplemented aby deeper flavours of pepper, tobacco smoke and toffee. It is packed with vibrant acidity, and finely-grained, barely present tannins. It can be served chilled or at room temperature, and aged in the cellar for some time. Khvanchkara is excellent as an aperitif, or for serving alongside nuts and chocolate.