Alright, I'm months late on this but I've got my momentum (and blog posts in queue! See? Improvements.) and I'm ready to share the second half of this. It's quick and'll tie into some future posts about my studies of a particular region. Onward!
Georgia: The Traditional Craft of Saperavi and Rkatsiteli
Georgia, often referred to as the "cradle of wine," has a winemaking tradition that dates back over 8,000 years. One of the country’s most notable contributions to the world of wine is its unique blending of red and white grapes, particularly the Saperavi and Rkatsiteli varietals.
Saperavi is a deep, dark red grape known for its full-bodied wines with intense flavors of blackberry, licorice, and spices. When blended with Rkatsiteli, a white grape with high acidity and floral notes, the result is a wine that is both complex and balanced. This blend showcases the best of both varietals, with the depth and structure of Saperavi complemented by the freshness and aromatic qualities of Rkatsiteli.
This Georgian blend is traditionally aged in qvevri, large clay vessels buried underground, which adds a unique earthy character to the wine. The combination of ancient winemaking techniques and the blending of red and white grapes creates a wine that is distinctly Georgian, offering a taste of the region’s rich history and culture.
The Beauty of Blending
Whether it’s the 1858 Red Blend from Paso Robles or a traditional blend from Greece or Georgia, the art of wine blending allows winemakers to craft wines that are greater than the sum of their parts. It’s a process that requires both creativity and precision, balancing the diverse flavors and characteristics of different grape varieties to create a harmonious and memorable wine.
For wine lovers, exploring blends from different regions offers a deeper appreciation of the craft and an opportunity to discover new favorites. So next time you uncork a bottle, take a moment to consider the blend within – it’s a reflection of the winemaker’s skill, the vineyard’s terroir, and the rich tradition of blending that has shaped the world of wine for centuries.