Askaneli Saperavi Ceramic

Askaneli Saperavi Ceramic is a full-bodied Georgian red wine made from 100% Saperavi grapes, bottled at 13% ABV in a 750ml ceramic vessel. The striking clay bottle distinguishes this expression as a collectible presentation from Askaneli Brothers, a Kakheti-based winery whose Saperavi Premium earned a Double Gold (96 points) at the 2020 Sommeliers Choice Awards.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13%  |  Origin: Kakheti, Georgia  |  Varietal: 100% Saperavi  |  Producer: Askaneli Brothers

Production & Heritage

Askaneli Brothers was founded in 1998 by the Chkhaidze brothers in the Kakheti region, Georgia's most celebrated winemaking zone. Production of this Saperavi begins with green harvesting — selectively reducing yield in summer to concentrate flavor in the remaining bunches — followed by hand selection of the finest fruit. The wine undergoes aging in oak barrels under the supervision of the estate's chief winemaker, a process that imparts subtle oak complexity while preserving Saperavi's naturally deep color and firm tannic backbone. The ceramic bottle is more than decorative; clay has been used in Georgian winemaking traditions for millennia, and the opaque vessel shields the wine from light degradation.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with focused aromas of fresh dark berries and red cherry, giving way to wild herbs, subtle florals, and a distinctive peppery character. Deeper sniffs reveal plum and small wood shades from oak aging.

Taste: On entry, the palate is juicy and ripe, led by pomegranate and black cherry. The mid-palate broadens into layers of cherry jam, blackberry compote, and black plum, with firm tannins providing structure. At its peak, notes of cherry truffle emerge alongside delicate oak influence, creating a dense yet balanced impression.

Finish: The finish is medium-long with a velvety texture, leaving lingering traces of blackcurrant and subtle spice. The tannins resolve smoothly, making the final impression both structured and approachable.

How to Drink Askaneli Saperavi Ceramic

This wine is best served at 16–18°C (60–64°F), poured into a large-bowled red wine glass to allow its concentrated aromatics to open fully. Decanting for 30 minutes helps soften the tannins and integrate the oak notes. While primarily a sipping wine, the Saperavi Ceramic works well in a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola over ice) for a bold, casual serve; a Red Wine Spritz with sparkling water and an orange slice for warm-weather drinking; or a Sangria base, where its intense dark fruit and peppery spice add depth that lighter reds cannot match.

Best For

• Gifting someone who appreciates Georgian wine culture — the ceramic bottle makes a striking presentation
• Hosting a dinner party centered around grilled meats or hearty stews
• Building a collection of wines from Georgia's indigenous grape varieties
• Pairing with a charcuterie and aged cheese board on a special evening

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Askaneli Saperavi Ceramic taste like? It delivers rich dark berry fruit — black cherry, blackberry, and plum — with firm tannins, a peppery edge, and subtle oak-derived notes of cherry truffle. The texture is velvety and the overall impression is dense but harmonious.

How does Askaneli Saperavi compare to Teliani Valley Saperavi? Both are 100% Saperavi wines from Georgia's Kakheti region, but Askaneli tends toward a richer, more structured profile with pronounced oak influence, while Teliani Valley Saperavi typically presents as a lighter, more fruit-forward everyday red. The ceramic bottling of Askaneli further positions it as a premium or gift-worthy selection.

Is Askaneli Saperavi Ceramic good for sipping neat? Yes — its layered dark fruit, balanced tannins, and velvety texture make it well suited to contemplative sipping, especially after a brief decant to let the aromas fully develop.

Where is Askaneli Saperavi Ceramic made? It is produced by Askaneli Brothers in the Kakheti region of eastern Georgia, the country's most important wine-producing area. Kakheti accounts for roughly 70% of Georgia's vineyard area and has an 8,000-year winemaking heritage.

What foods pair well with Askaneli Saperavi Ceramic? Grilled lamb or beef kebabs complement the wine's peppery tannins; Georgian cheese bread (khachapuri) provides a rich, salty contrast; slow-braised beef stew echoes its dark fruit depth; aged hard cheeses like aged Gouda highlight the oak notes; and dark chocolate with 70%+ cacao mirrors the wine's concentrated berry character.

What sizes does Askaneli Saperavi Ceramic come in? The standard ceramic bottle format is 750ml, which is the most widely available size for this expression.

Is Askaneli Saperavi Ceramic worth the price? It positions as a premium expression within the Georgian wine category, justified by the hand-selected fruit, oak barrel aging, and distinctive ceramic packaging. For those seeking a quality Saperavi beyond everyday table wine — particularly as a gift — it represents solid value in the premium tier.

Why Askaneli Saperavi Ceramic?

What separates this wine from standard Saperavi bottlings is the combination of rigorous vineyard management — green harvesting to concentrate flavor — and deliberate oak aging overseen by Askaneli's chief winemaker. The Askaneli Brothers brand has earned international recognition, including a 96-point Double Gold at the 2020 Sommeliers Choice Awards for their Saperavi Premium. The ceramic vessel is not merely ornamental; it connects to Georgia's ancient tradition of clay-vessel winemaking while providing practical light protection for the wine inside. For anyone exploring Saperavi — one of the world's most distinctive indigenous red grapes — this bottling offers a polished, presentation-ready entry point from a well-regarded Kakheti producer.