Telavi Marani Rkatsiteli Qvevri 2023
Ask a random Georgian in the streets of Tbilisi about the best winery in his country and chances are high he will say Telavi Marani Wine Cellar. This ambitious wine house has been producing high quality wines in an international style for years.
| Country | Georgia |
| Region | Kakheti |
| Wine maker | Telavi Marani Wine Cellar |
| Grape varieties | Rkatsiteli |
| Terroir | Half of the grapes come from the winery's vineyards near Kondoli and the other half from vineyards in the Tsinandali PDO. The climate here is temperate, tending to subtropical, with hot summers and moderate winters. The soil consists mainly of brown forest soil, humus, carbonated humus and alluvial soils (former riverbanks). |
| Harvest method | handpicked |
| Yield per hectare | 12 tons per hectare. |
| Vinification | The Mtsvane grapes were hand-picked in the second half of September at the optimum time of their ripeness. After decomposition, they were transferred (without pressing or crushing) to Qvevri for fermentation. The process took about 3 weeks, followed by the malolactic fermentation. Later, the Qvevris are refilled, sealed and stored for a 6-month maceration of the skins. In the spring, the clarified wine is transferred to the stainless steel tanks for several months, followed by bottling. |
| Impression | Dark yellow/light amber. Fresh nose of peach and ripe apple. In the mouth also white pepper, nuts and mint. Mild tannin in the finish. Light, accessible style for this type of wine. |