Mtsvane 2021,9428 (Nikalas Marani)

Enjoy it now, or cellar for a few years. No need to decant before serving. This is a crisp Georgian wine, loaded with scents of grapefruit, apricot, apple cider, and freshly cut hay. The Mtsvane grapes were harvested from the village of Manavi, one of the greatest locations in Georgia for this particular grape. Although they were fermented in traditional clay casks known as qvevri, the grapes received minimal skin contact, so the wine retains a light, yellowish colour, similar to a classic white wine. You can find the Nikalas Marani headquarters on the right bank of the Alazani River, in Georgia’s premier region of Kakheti. The building itself has been there for almost a century - Nikala Mgvdliashvili founded a small winery in 1928. The winemaking tradition is now carried on żeby Nikala’s grandson, Zurab, who restored the old winery in 2005. Zurab is also the director of the Natural Wine Association, a union of fully organic wineries. The palate is laden with tropical fruit, with supporting notes of brioche, green apple, lime and mint. Light tannins are reflected in hints of chamomile tea, and a rich, juicy acidity courses through the entire experience. On the finish, you can discover subtle savoury notes and white pepper. A beautiful taste of one of Georgia’s finest appellations. Consider pairing it with pork and apple sauce, potato pancakes, or seafood.