As Easter approaches, many are preparing for lamb feasts, and the food and wine culture of Georgia offers a unique twist on this seasonal tradition. Known for its distinctive culinary heritage, Georgia, located in the Caucasus region, is famous for its use of fresh herbs (tarragon, dill, coriander), spices, nuts, and fruits in its dishes. Among these ingredients is the rich, earthy walnut paste, nigvzis sakmazi, which serves as a base for numerous meals. The diverse use of fruit, such as sour plums and dried barbary berries, alongside spices like fenugreek and the fiery red pepper-based ajika, enhances the bold, vibrant flavors that define Georgian cuisine. One such dish, chakapuli, a lamb stew with sour plums and herbs, is a prime example of this flavorful tradition. The dish pairs perfectly with the robust, darkly fruity red wines of Georgia, including Saperavi, an indigenous grape variety that produces deep, succulent reds like the M&S Found Saperavi 2022.
Saperavi, a red grape varietal from Georgia’s Kakheti region, is part of a unique subset of grapes known as teinturier, which have red flesh in addition to red skins. This attribute results in wines with an inky depth of color and a vivid, dark juice reminiscent of freshly picked blackberries. These wines, with their crunchy, black-berry exuberance, offer a refreshing acidity and grip that balances the richness of lamb dishes, whether they are cooked in a traditional Georgian style or prepared with Moroccan spices or classic garlic and rosemary.
Among the recommended Saperavi wines is the Tbilvino Saperavi 2023, priced at £13.99 (or £11.99 in a mixed six-bottle case from majestic.co.uk). This wine boasts a fragrant profile with dark fruit flavors, reminiscent of a youthful southern French syrah, and a hint of aniseed. For a more refined option, the Orgo Saperavi 2022 offers a silky texture with notes of hibiscus, blackberries, and aniseed, available for £21.50 at nywines.co.uk, with the 2023 vintage arriving in stores soon.
The ancient Georgian winemaking method of fermenting and aging wines in clay vessels called qvevri has gained popularity worldwide, and one standout example is the Orgo Saperavi, crafted by star winemaker Gogi Dakishvili. This technique, dating back over 8,000 years, imparts unique flavors and textures to the wine. Other wines made with this method include Okro’s Wines Zvari Rkatsiteli 2022, a dry and nutty wine with autumnal fruit and citrus tang, perfect for pairing with chakapuli.
Interestingly, Georgia’s grape varieties and winemaking techniques are making their mark in wine regions around the globe. One such example is Russell & Suitor’s Alejandro Saperavi from Australia’s Murray Darling region, available from £14.99. This wine captures the essence of Saperavi’s bold flavors, offering a vibrant and spicy profile, making it another great option for Easter lamb.
With these diverse offerings, Saperavi wines from Georgia and beyond present an exciting way to elevate any lamb dish this Easter, bringing together rich, complex flavors that complement the season’s festive meals.
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