2024 Ori Marani Shavk Danakhartli

WINEMAKER: Bastien Warskotte
REGION: Kartli, Georgia.
VARIETY: Shavkapito
VITICULTURE: Biodynamic

Think pale ruby, almost translucent. Light, lifted, and mineral, with a gentle herbal and earthy quality that feels distinctly Georgian. Tart red cherry, pomegranate, dried herbs, a whisper of tobacco, and a finish that is long and clean. The whole-cluster component gives it a lovely freshness that stops it feeling like anything other than what it is: a Burgundian-minded red made from a variety Burgundy has never heard of.

Shavkapito is a Kartlian red variety that went almost entirely out of fashion during the Soviet era. These vines are five years old — young, but the variety’s character comes through clearly. Half the harvest is left as whole clusters; half is destemmed. Two weeks of maceration, then nine months in old barrels. Inspired, explicitly, by Burgundy.

Serve slightly cool. Brilliant with grilled poultry, light lamb dishes, or a generous mezze spread.