Askaneli Kindzmarauli Reserve

Askaneli Kindzmarauli Reserve is a semi-sweet Georgian red wine made from 100% Saperavi grapes, bottled at 12–12.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. This expression earned a Gold Medal at the 13th International Competition-Tasting of Wine in 2010 (Minsk, Belarus), reinforcing its standing among the Kakheti region's most recognized semi-sweet reds.

Quick Facts: ABV: 12–12.5%  |  Origin: Kindzmarauli, Kakheti, Georgia  |  Style: Semi-Sweet Red  |  Varietal: 100% Saperavi  |  Producer: Askaneli

Production & Heritage

Askaneli produces this wine within the Kindzmarauli appellation of origin, a protected designation in eastern Georgia's Kakheti region long renowned for its semi-sweet red wines from the indigenous Saperavi grape. What distinguishes this Reserve bottling is a controlled cooling technique applied during fermentation, which arrests the process before all residual sugar converts to alcohol, locking in the wine's characteristic moderate sweetness without relying on post-fermentation additives. The result is a naturally semi-sweet expression that retains the grape's dense, full-bodied character while balancing acidity and sugar in a style true to Kindzmarauli tradition.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe blackberries and dark fruit preserves, evolving into subtle notes of black pepper and hints of tropical fruit. There is an undercurrent of marmalade-like sweetness that rounds out the aromatic profile.

Taste: On the palate, entry is soft and fruit-forward with concentrated blackberry and dark plum flavors. The mid-palate reveals moderate sweetness balanced by invigorating acidity and ripe, velvety tannins. At peak, the wine shows impressive density and body, with layers of dark fruit and spice that build steadily.

Finish: The finish is silky and prolonged, with lingering impressions of dark berry compote and a fine tannic grip. A thread of acidity carries through to the end, keeping the sweetness in check and leaving the palate clean.

How to Drink Kindzmarauli Reserve

This wine is best served slightly chilled, between 14–16°C (57–61°F), in a large-bowled red wine glass that allows its dense aromatics to develop. It drinks well on its own as a contemplative pour. For a refreshing warm-weather serve, a Georgian-style Sangria using Kindzmarauli Reserve as the base adds depth thanks to the wine's natural berry sweetness. A Kalimotxo (red wine and cola) variation works surprisingly well here, as the wine's tannic structure and residual sugar complement the mixer without collapsing. A simple red wine spritzer with sparkling water also highlights its fruit-forward character in a lighter format.

Best For

• Introducing someone to Georgian wine for the first time
• Pairing with a cheese-heavy dinner party featuring aged or blue varieties
• An after-dinner pour alongside dark chocolate desserts
• Gifting a wine enthusiast who appreciates Old World semi-sweet styles

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Kindzmarauli Reserve taste like? It delivers ripe blackberry and dark plum flavors with moderate sweetness, balanced by invigorating acidity and velvety tannins that lead to a silky, extended finish. The overall impression is of a dense, full-bodied semi-sweet red with genuine fruit depth rather than simple sugariness.

How does Kindzmarauli Reserve compare to Akhasheni? Both are Georgian semi-sweet red wines made from Saperavi, but Kindzmarauli comes from a more northerly appellation in Kakheti and tends to show darker berry fruit with denser tannin structure. Akhasheni, produced in the Gurjaani district, is generally perceived as slightly softer and lighter-bodied, making Kindzmarauli the fuller of the two.

Is Kindzmarauli Reserve good for beginners? Yes — its moderate sweetness, approachable fruit character, and soft tannins make it an excellent entry point for those new to red wine or unfamiliar with Georgian winemaking. The residual sugar balances the Saperavi grape's natural tannic intensity, creating a very drinkable wine.

Where is Kindzmarauli Reserve made? It is produced by Askaneli within the Kindzmarauli appellation of origin, located in the Kakheti region of eastern Georgia. Kakheti is Georgia's most prolific wine-producing area, responsible for roughly 70% of the country's total output.

What foods pair well with Kindzmarauli Reserve? Aged blue cheeses like Roquefort complement the wine's sweetness with their salty tang. Grilled lamb or beef kebabs echo its peppery undertones. Dark chocolate truffles mirror the dense berry character. Spiced Georgian cuisine, particularly dishes with walnut-based sauces like satsivi, harmonizes with the wine's fruit and tannic structure. Dried fruit and nut platters also make a simple, effective match.

What sizes does Kindzmarauli Reserve come in? Askaneli Kindzmarauli Reserve is most commonly available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Kindzmarauli Reserve worth the price? Kindzmarauli Reserve positions as a mid-range Georgian wine, offering genuine appellation-specific character and a Gold Medal pedigree at a price point that sits below most comparable European semi-sweet reds. For the quality of fruit, complexity, and regional authenticity it delivers, it represents strong value within the semi-sweet category.

Why Kindzmarauli Reserve?

What sets this wine apart is Askaneli's deliberate use of controlled fermentation cooling to achieve its semi-sweet profile naturally, rather than through sweetening after the fact. The Kindzmarauli appellation itself is one of Georgia's most tightly regulated wine designations, limited to Saperavi grapes grown in a specific microzone along the Alazani River valley. The Gold Medal earned at the 2010 International Competition-Tasting of Wine in Minsk confirmed that this Reserve expression competes credibly on an international stage. For drinkers seeking a genuine Georgian semi-sweet red with verified provenance and proven critical recognition, this bottling delivers a clear sense of place and purpose.