Saperavi Qvevri 2021

A Georgian natural wine of the Saperavi variety, produced from organic grapes grown in our own vineyard in Kakheti. This Saperavi amphora wine was crafted according to an 8,000-year-old tradition in a Qvevri.

What makes this Saperavi special

• Hand-picked grapes from our organic vineyard
• Fermented with pulp, skins, and seeds
• Aged in a Qvevri
• Zero additives: 100% natural wine
• Unsulfured, low-intervention wine
• Bottled in our own cellar by the winemaker personally
• Dry, earthy, with pronounced tannins
• Matured over several years

Taste and Style

This dry red Qvevri wine is raw, wild, and bold. It is certainly not "everyone’s darling," but rather something special and truly unique.

What is Saperavi?

Saperavi is Georgia’s most widespread red grape variety. It is a Teinturier grape, meaning that both the skin and the pulp are reddish. Consequently, Saperavi wines typically have a dark, deep ruby color.

What is Qvevri Wine?

A Qvevri is a clay amphora buried in the ground to produce wine. This production method is part of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Humans have been making wine this way in the territory of present-day Georgia for over 8,000 years.

The Benefits of Qvevri Wines

Qvevri winemaking offers several advantages that influence the character of this 2021 Saperavi:

• Constant Temperature: Because the Qvevris are buried, they maintain naturally cool and stable temperatures. This allowed the Saperavi grapes to undergo a slow, gentle fermentation.
• Natural Filtration: Thanks to the egg-shaped structure of the Qvevri, skins, seeds, and other particles settle at the bottom, naturally clarifying the wine.
• Micro-oxidation: The porous nature of the clay allows tiny amounts of oxygen to enter the amphora throughout the process, giving this Saperavi its unmistakable notes.

Qvevri Wine Production

For this 2021 Saperavi, we gently crushed the hand-harvested grapes and placed the entire must—juice, pulp, skins, and seeds—into a Qvevri. As always in our cellar, fermentation was triggered by indigenous yeast cultures (spontaneous fermentation). Once fermentation was complete, we did not separate the wine from the skins. Instead, it remained in the Qvevri for six full months. Afterward, the wine was transferred to stainless steel tanks for further maturation.

Producer

Inavarde Wines is a small, owner-managed winery in Eniseli, a village in the eastern Georgian region of Kakheti. The estate was founded in 2020 by Swiss expat Fabio Bolognese. Inavarde Wines produces approximately 4,000 to 5,000 bottles of natural wine per year from its own organic vineyard, including about 1,200 bottles of Saperavi.

Our Philosophy

We believe that a healthy vineyard and outstanding grapes are the most important prerequisites for great wine. That is why we invest so much work and passion into our organic vineyard and only intervene in the cellar when absolutely necessary.

Origin: Kakheti

Located in eastern Georgia, Kakheti is the country’s most important wine-growing region, accounting for about 75% of all vineyards. The continental climate—with hot summers and cool nights—and mineral-rich soils create ideal conditions for the Saperavi grape.

Food Pairing

Georgian Dishes:

• Georgian barbecue (Mtsvadi)
• Fresh bread and Dambalkhacho cheese.

International Cuisine:

• Roasted beef or pork
• Hearty stews like Goulash

Serving Tips

We recommend a serving temperature of 18–19°C. Decant the wine at least one hour before enjoyment to allow the aromas to fully unfold. This "Kakhetian bomb" can easily handle three to four hours of aeration before drinking.

Storage

Saperavi wines fermented on the skins have excellent aging potential. As this is a natural wine with no added sulfites or preservatives, it is essential to store it in a cool, dark place:

• 11°C to 17°C: Can be cellared for several years.
• 18°C to 20°C: Best enjoyed within a few months or up to 2–3 years.
• Above 21°C: Enjoy within a few months.

Wine Details

• Vintage: 2021
• Variety: Saperavi
• Country: Georgia
• Region: Kakheti
• Micro-zones: Kindzmarauli, Kvareli
• Vinification: Qvevri
• Maturation: Stainless Steel
• Bottle Size: 0.75 l

Analysis

• Alcohol: 13.8%
• Residual Sugar: 4.0 g/l
• Total Acidity: 0.80 g/l

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does "Saperavi" mean?

The word "Saperavi" contains the Georgian word peri (ფერი), which means "color." Saperavi can essentially be translated as "the dyer" or "the one providing color."

Where can I buy this Saperavi in Tbilisi?

The 2021 Saperavi Qvevri is available exclusively at our winery or through our online shop. Delivery is available within Georgia only.