Askaneli Kindzmarauli

Askaneli Kindzmarauli is a semi-sweet Georgian red wine made from 100% Saperavi grapes, bottled at 13% ABV in 750ml. Produced by Askaneli Brothers within the protected Kindzmarauli appellation in Kakheti, this wine earned a Gold Medal at the 13th International Competition-Tasting of Wine in Minsk (2010), underscoring its standing among serious Georgian reds.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13%  |  Origin: Kakheti, Georgia  |  Semi-Sweet Red  |  Producer: Askaneli Brothers

Production & Heritage

Askaneli Brothers is a family-owned Georgian winery rooted in the Kakheti region, the heartland of Georgian viticulture. The Kindzmarauli appellation — a small, steep-sloped zone along the Alazani River valley — is one of Georgia's most prized controlled appellations, restricted exclusively to the Saperavi grape. What distinguishes the Askaneli expression is its use of prolonged maceration under regulated temperature, with a cooling method applied during fermentation to halt the process before all residual sugar is consumed. This technique preserves a natural, moderate sweetness without the addition of external sugar, resulting in a genuinely semi-sweet wine driven entirely by the grape itself.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe blackberry and black cherry, layered with hints of wild berries and dark fruit marmalade. Behind the fruit sits a subtle note of black pepper that adds complexity without dominating.

Taste: On entry, the palate meets dense, ripe dark fruit and a noticeable but well-managed sweetness. Mid-palate, velvety tannins emerge alongside a full, weighty body. An invigorating acidity cuts through the sweetness at the peak, keeping the wine balanced and preventing any cloying quality.

Finish: The finish is silky, prolonged, and fruit-forward, with lingering impressions of blackberry and a gentle tannic grip. The acidity carries through to the end, leaving the palate refreshed rather than heavy.

How to Drink Askaneli Kindzmarauli

Serve slightly chilled, between 14–16°C (57–61°F), to bring the fruit aromatics into focus without muting the tannin structure. This wine is best enjoyed on its own as a contemplative pour or alongside food. For a classic Georgian pairing, try it with satsivi (walnut-sauced poultry) — the wine's sweetness balances the dish's richness. It also works well in a red wine sangria, where the dark fruit and residual sugar reduce the need for added sweetener. A simple mulled wine preparation during colder months allows the blackberry and pepper notes to intensify beautifully.

Best For

• Introducing friends to semi-sweet Georgian reds without sacrificing complexity
• Pairing with richly spiced or mildly sweet dishes at a dinner party
• Gifting someone curious about wines from the Caucasus region
• Serving alongside a Georgian supra (feast) or holiday table

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Askaneli Kindzmarauli taste like? It delivers ripe blackberry and black cherry with velvety tannins and a balanced semi-sweet profile. Invigorating acidity keeps the sweetness in check, finishing silky and prolonged.

How does Askaneli Kindzmarauli compare to Telavi Wine Cellars Kindzmarauli? Both are 100% Saperavi wines from the Kindzmarauli appellation and share the characteristic semi-sweet, dark-fruit profile of the region. Askaneli Brothers distinguishes its expression through a specific cooling method during fermentation to regulate residual sweetness, and the wine has earned international competition medals including a 2010 Gold in Minsk.

Is Askaneli Kindzmarauli good for beginners? Yes — the natural residual sweetness and ripe fruit make it highly approachable, while the tannic structure and acidity provide enough depth to keep experienced drinkers engaged.

Where is Askaneli Kindzmarauli made? It is produced by Askaneli Brothers in the Kakheti region of eastern Georgia, specifically within the Kindzmarauli protected appellation of origin along the Alazani River valley.

What foods pair well with Askaneli Kindzmarauli? Roasted duck or turkey benefits from the wine's fruit sweetness and tannic balance. Blue cheese and the wine's residual sugar create a classic sweet-savory contrast. Dark chocolate desserts echo the blackberry and cherry notes. Georgian dishes like lobio (bean stew) or churchkhela (grape-and-walnut candy) are natural regional pairings. Mildly spiced lamb kebabs complement the wine's peppery undercurrent.

What sizes does Askaneli Kindzmarauli come in? The standard bottling is 750ml, which is the most widely available format.

Is Askaneli Kindzmarauli worth the price? It positions as an accessible, mid-range Georgian red that delivers genuine appellation character and natural winemaking integrity at a reasonable entry point for the Kindzmarauli category.

Why Askaneli Kindzmarauli?

Kindzmarauli is one of Georgia's most tightly controlled appellations, and Askaneli Brothers' expression captures its signature character — dense Saperavi fruit with natural sweetness — through a specific cooling technique during fermentation rather than relying on additives. The Gold Medal at the 2010 International Competition-Tasting in Minsk, along with earlier awards in Saint Petersburg and Tbilisi, confirms that the wine has been recognized across multiple markets and judging panels. For drinkers seeking an authentic semi-sweet Georgian red that balances richness with refreshing acidity, this bottling delivers a credible representation of one of the Caucasus region's most celebrated wine styles.