Askaneli Saperavi

Askaneli Saperavi is a dry Georgian red wine made from 100% Saperavi grapes, bottled at approximately 12.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2020 vintage earned 90 points from James Suckling, affirming its place among Kakheti's most reliable expressions of Georgia's signature red grape. Produced using traditional qvevri fermentation — a method recognized by UNESCO as part of humanity's intangible cultural heritage — this wine bridges ancient technique and modern winemaking.

Quick Facts: ABV: 12.5%  |  Origin: Kakheti, Georgia  |  Varietal: 100% Saperavi  |  Producer: Askaneli Winery

Production & Heritage

Askaneli winery was founded in 1998 by the Chkhaidze brothers in Kakheti, Georgia's preeminent winemaking region. The winery combines international best practices with traditional Georgian technology, fermenting and aging wine in qvevri — large clay amphora buried underground that have been central to Georgian winemaking for roughly 8,000 years. This marriage of ancient vessel and modern quality control gives the wine its distinctive minerality and textural depth, setting it apart from conventionally produced Saperavi bottlings. Premium expressions in the range also see oak barrel aging, adding further complexity.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Deep blue-red in the glass, the nose opens with concentrated dark berries and ripe cherry before moving into wild herbs, subtle florals, and a faint mineral tang characteristic of qvevri contact. A background thread of black pepper adds savory intrigue.

Taste: The entry is juicy and fruit-forward, immediately delivering layers of cherry jam, blackberry compote, and dark plum. At mid-palate, notes of black pepper, bitter chocolate, and earthy spice emerge. Ripe, tactile tannins provide structure without harshness, and a sour cherry brightness keeps the wine balanced against its considerable concentration.

Finish: Long and lingering, with dark fruit, earth, and subtle qvevri-derived savory nuances carrying through. Grippy tannins taper gradually into a clean, dry close with a whisper of dark chocolate.

How to Drink Askaneli Saperavi

Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F). A generous red wine glass allows the aromatics to open fully; decanting for 20–30 minutes softens the tannins and reveals deeper herbal and mineral layers. This is a food wine at heart, but it also rewards patient sipping on its own.

Try it in a Kalimotxo — Saperavi's dark fruit intensity and tannic grip stand up to cola without losing identity. A red wine Sangria built around stone fruit and citrus plays well off the wine's cherry-plum core. For a warming option, a Georgian-inspired mulled wine with cinnamon, clove, and dried barberry highlights the spice notes already present in the glass.

Best For

• Introducing friends to Georgian wine and the qvevri winemaking tradition
• Pairing with hearty grilled meats or slow-cooked stews on a cool evening
• Gifting a wine enthusiast looking to explore beyond mainstream European reds
• Building a diverse cellar with representation from one of the world's oldest wine regions

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Askaneli Saperavi taste like? It delivers concentrated dark berry and cherry jam flavors layered with black pepper, bitter chocolate, and earthy spice, all carried by firm but ripe tannins. A sour cherry brightness on the finish keeps it balanced and food-friendly.

How does Askaneli Saperavi compare to Tamada Saperavi? Both are Kakheti-origin, 100% Saperavi wines widely available in export markets. Askaneli distinguishes itself through its qvevri fermentation, which introduces mineral and savory dimensions not typically found in conventionally fermented stainless-steel Saperavi bottlings like Tamada's standard release.

Is Askaneli Saperavi good for sipping neat? Yes — its layered aromatics and structured tannins reward slow, attentive drinking, especially after a brief decant. It is equally compelling alongside food, where its acidity and grip shine.

Where is Askaneli Saperavi made? It is produced by Askaneli winery in the Kakheti region of eastern Georgia, the country's largest and most historically significant winemaking area. The Chkhaidze brothers founded the winery in 1998.

What foods pair well with Askaneli Saperavi? Grilled lamb chops or kebabs mirror the wine's smoky depth. Georgian cheese-stuffed khachapuri contrasts its tannins with rich, salty fat. Slow-braised beef stew echoes its earthy spice notes. Aged hard cheeses like Gouda or Manchego complement the dark fruit, while dark chocolate desserts harmonize with its cocoa finish.

What sizes does Askaneli Saperavi come in? The standard release is widely available in a 750ml bottle.

Is Askaneli Saperavi worth the price? It positions as an accessible, entry-to-mid-tier Georgian red that punches above its weight — a 90-point James Suckling score for the 2020 vintage and the Double Gold (96 points) at the 2020 Sommeliers Choice Awards for the Premium expression confirm serious quality relative to its approachable price tier.

Why Askaneli Saperavi?

What elevates this bottle beyond a typical Saperavi is the qvevri element — a UNESCO-recognized fermentation method that imparts mineral complexity and savory texture no stainless-steel tank can replicate. With 90 points from James Suckling on the 2020 vintage and a Double Gold medal at the Sommeliers Choice Awards for the Premium bottling, the range has earned genuine critical recognition rather than relying on novelty alone. Founded by the Chkhaidze brothers just over two decades ago, Askaneli has become one of Georgia's most visible ambassadors of qvevri winemaking on the global stage. For anyone looking to experience the depth and character of Georgia's indigenous Saperavi grape through its most traditional production method, this is a well-validated starting point.