Everything About Saperavi Grape
"sah-peh-RAH-vee" 
Saperavi Description
Origin: Georgia
History: Saperavi is an ancient red grape variety native to Georgia, with a history dating back thousands of years. The name 'Saperavi' translates to 'dye' or 'paint' in Georgian, reflecting its deep, dark color. It is one of the few teinturier grape varieties, meaning it has pigmented flesh and juice, not just skins. Saperavi is the most widely planted red grape in Georgia, accounting for about 10% of all plantings throughout the country. Its resilience and versatility have led to its cultivation in various countries, including Russia, Armenia, Moldova, Ukraine, Australia, and the United States.
Appearance: Small to medium-sized, dark blue to black berries with thick skins, forming compact clusters.
Growing Traits: Saperavi is a hardy and adaptable grape variety, capable of thriving in diverse climates and soils. It is particularly well-suited to the cooler climates of continental eastern Europe, where it produces generous yields at high altitudes without compromising quality. The grape is late-ripening and known for its resistance to cold winters and drought conditions. Its thick skins contribute to disease resistance and the deep color of the wines produced.
Food Pairing Saperavi's full body and high acidity make it an excellent match for rich, hearty dishes. It pairs well with grilled meats, game, and stews, as well as aged cheeses. Traditional Georgian cuisine, such as khinkali (dumplings) and kharcho (meat stew), complements the wine's robust character. The wine's acidity also balances well with fatty dishes, making it versatile in food pairings.
Body
Sweetness
Tannin
Acidity
Alcohol
Full-bodied with a robust structure, characterized by deep color and high acidity. Typically vinified dry, though semi-sweet and dessert styles are traditional in Georgia. Moderate to high tannin levels, contributing to its firm structure and aging potential. High acidity, providing freshness and balance to its rich profile. Moderate to high alcohol content, generally ranging from 12% to 14.5%, depending on the winemaking style.
Blackberry 
Black cherry 
Plum 
Spice 
Earthy Saperavi wines are known for their deep, dark color and complex flavor profile. Dominant notes include ripe blackberry, black cherry, and plum, often accompanied by spicy and earthy undertones. The high acidity and moderate to high tannins provide a firm structure, allowing the wines to age well and develop additional complexity over time.
Regions
![[object Object] Region](/regions/georgia.png)
Georgia
•Kakheti
•Kartli
•Imereti
![[object Object] Region](/regions/russia.png)
Russia
•North Caucasus
•Lower Volga
![[object Object] Region](/regions/australia.png)
Australia
•South Australia
![[object Object] Region](/regions/united_states.png)
United States
•New York
•Virginia
Notable Wines and Producers
Kindzmarauli
•Kindzmarauli Marani
•Teliani Valley
Mukuzani
•Château Mukhrani
•Tbilvino
Saperavi Reserve
•Pheasant's Tears
•Orgo Winery
Saperavi FAQ
Georgia
Saperavi has a body level of 4 out of 5. Which means that Saperavi is Moderate to Full bodied.
Saperavi has a dryness level of 1 out of 5. Which means that Saperavi is Dry.
Georgia
Saperavi is grown in Georgia (Kakheti, Kartli, Imereti)Russia (North Caucasus, Lower Volga)Australia (South Australia)United States (New York, Virginia).
Saperavi wines are known for their deep, dark color and complex flavor profile. Dominant notes include ripe blackberry, black cherry, and plum, often accompanied by spicy and earthy undertones. The high acidity and moderate to high tannins provide a firm structure, allowing the wines to age well and develop additional complexity over time.
Saperavi's full body and high acidity make it an excellent match for rich, hearty dishes. It pairs well with grilled meats, game, and stews, as well as aged cheeses. Traditional Georgian cuisine, such as khinkali (dumplings) and kharcho (meat stew), complements the wine's robust character. The wine's acidity also balances well with fatty dishes, making it versatile in food pairings.
Saperavi wines are known for their deep, dark color and complex flavor profile. Dominant notes include ripe blackberry, black cherry, and plum, often accompanied by spicy and earthy undertones. The high acidity and moderate to high tannins provide a firm structure, allowing the wines to age well and develop additional complexity over time.