Georgian wine "Alazani Valley": reviews, features, views

In all countries where winemaking plays an important role in the economy, there is such a thing as appellation. The very term is French. But appellation is everywhere, where vines are cultivated and wine is produced. These are small areas where the microclimate and soils are most favorable for growing the crop. And in Georgia, such an appellation is the Alazani Valley. This is a very picturesque place of Kakheti.

Transparent river Alazani flows between the Main Caucasian ridge and the Ziv-Gomorg mountains. Its banks are planted with endless vineyards. Vines grow at a strictly controlled height - from two hundred to five hundred meters above sea level. And from the harvest of berries exclusively local varieties produce an amazing wine "Alazani Valley." We reviewed the consumers' comments about it and present in this article the characteristics of drinks from the heart of Kakheti.

The Art of Winemaking

No less than the appellation, the traditions of vine cultivation passed on from generation to generation are important. The production of wine in Georgia has more than one thousand. Local varieties of vines such as "rkatsiteli", "saperavi", "alexandrouli", "ozhaleşi", "mujuretuli" were brought out. Wine from Georgia was mentioned by Homer, Strabo, Xenophon. In the ninth century AD in the Academy of Education in the ancient city of Ikalto, the art of vine cultivation and the secrets of making beverages were taught as a science.

Kakheti, which is in Eastern Georgia, has always been famous for the most favorable conditions for winemaking. It was here that aboriginal varieties of vines were bred. Earlier the harvest was brought in a maranie - a special room, where there was a huge davilnia. It was made from a solid tree trunk. The berries were pressed with their feet. The must from the special grooves dripped into the vat. The process of vinification ended in a Kvevri - a huge clay jar, which was buried in the ground at the very neck. Of course, now much of the technological process has changed. But still the shadow of the former envelops the wine "Alazani Valley". Reviews assure that there is something patriarchal, homely in the taste of the drink.

Unique grape varieties

In the modern world, a lot of sown areas are occupied by vines, bred in France. "Chardonnay", "merlot", "cabernet" are rather unpretentious and perfectly take root in foreign lands. But the winemakers of Kakheti adhere to the point of view that aboriginal varieties are always better. They were taken out based on local climate and soil conditions. What is the "Alazani Valley" wine made of ? The reviews mention two main varieties - red "saperavi" and white "rkatsiteli". Sometimes, in some nominations, they are mixed in small amounts with "mtsvane kazuri", "kishi" and others. It should be said a few words about these aboriginal varieties. "Saperavi" in translation from Georgian means "dye". This is the only grape variety whose juice is red. Berries "Saperavi" are characterized by a strong aroma and fresh taste, which is only intensified by aging. The word "rkatsiteli" means "red horn" - according to the shape and color of the berries. But only white wines are made from this variety. They are characterized by moderate acidity, completeness and harmony.

White wine "Alazani Valley": reviews

Variety "rkatsiteli" in Georgia's hot sun is gaining sugars. Therefore, wines from it are semi-sweet or dessert. In the main, various manufacturers adhere to monosortness in the manufacture of the white "Alazani Valley". But sometimes a mint of "mtsvane kahuri" is added to the beverage to give a characteristic saturation. White wine from 100% "rkatsiteli" differs light-straw color with a slightly golden tint. The bouquet is fresh, fruity, in which the aromas of ripe melon and quince prevail. The taste has an easy sour taste. There are nuances of honey, wildflowers, hawthorn and acacia.

With what and how to submit

White semi-sweet wine "Alazani Valley" reviews recommend to vegetable dishes, cold snacks, fish and seafood. A drink can serve as an aperitif to a buffet. Dessert white will be an excellent accompaniment to sweet pastries, ice cream, fruit salads. Serve wine recommend chilled to ten to fifteen degrees of heat. It can be stored indefinitely. From time to time the drink acquires a taste of candied quince and ripe sweet melon. Reviews warn of the insidiousness of the drink. Alcohol during use is almost not felt. But the drink slowly and gradually plunges you into a state of mild euphoria. However, without any consequences for the body: the stomach is in place, the head does not hurt.

Wine "Alazani Valley" red semisweet

Reviews describe the color of this drink as a dark garnet with purple gleams. In a complex fruit bouquet dominated by the tone of blackberries and other forest berries. The taste of the drink is velvety, full-bodied. It feels an easy sourness. The aftertaste is long, playing with semitones. Red wine "Alazani Valley" recommendations recommend to serve meat dishes of Georgian cuisine. It goes well with shish kebab, but it also goes well with cold appetizers. Consumer testimonials assure that the wine will be appropriate for the sweet table. It can be well combined with light desserts - soufflé, fruits, cheeses.

Cost in Russian alcohol stores

Wine "Alazani Valley" (Georgia) reviews refer to the democratic price segment. Already a cleared product with a cheating shop costs about three hundred rubles per bottle. Wines under this brand are produced by many manufacturers. You can meet this drink even in tetrapack. Therefore, the range of prices is quite wide. Sometimes for a bottle of "Alazani Valley" ask only two hundred rubles. More eminent manufacturers (for example, "Shemodgoma") estimate the liter of their wine in a ceramic pitcher at six hundred and fifty-five rubles.