Georgian winemakers conquered the whole world with their art. The ancient traditions of winemaking are passed down from generation to generation in this sunny mountainous country. The traditions of viticulture are also sacredly revered and kept, because good wine always is based on high-quality raw materials.
New technologies penetrate our life from all sides, touching almost all of its fields. But fine Georgian wine today is produced in the same way as centuries ago. Wine "Pirosmani" belongs to the best varieties, this drink is famous far beyond the borders of its native Georgia. And not in vain! Indeed, everything is beautiful in it: the bouquet, the taste, and the thick ruby color. A bottle of such wine is not just decent alcohol for a special occasion. It can be a good holiday gift or a tribute to an old tradition.
A word about the manufacturer
Respect for the heritage of their ancestors is the basis of Georgian winemaking. Thanks to her, the glory of wines does not fade over the years. The Vaziani company belongs precisely to such manufacturers. It was founded back in 1982. The manufacturer’s wine cellar, called "marani" in Georgia, was built in the second half of the 15th century. The company's production technology is based on classic old recipes. Elite wines, including Pirosmani, are prepared and stored in qvevri - a unique clay pottery.
Since 2012, the production and head office have been located in the city of Telavi in Kakheti, which for centuries has had a reputation as a region that gives birth to amazingly beautiful wines.
Originally from Alazani Valley
There is an extraordinary grape valley in Georgia. Of the 4,000 grape varieties known to people, 550 are grown in the Alazani Valley. The climate is perfect there, clusters are quickly poured with juice. A bouquet of wine blossoms as slowly and majestically as the tail of a peacock depicted on the company logo. Wine "Pirosmani" is made from such grapes. It is based on the Saperavi variety, famous for its qualities. After separation from the bunch, the grapes remain to ferment with the pulp to the required level of fortress. The fermentation process is stopped by cooling the wort. After this, the wine settles and undergoes the pasteurization process. By the way, other elite wines of Georgia are also prepared from this grape variety .
Taste and color
Experts say that Pirosmani red wine has a rich garnet color. Unlike the usual for many wines of similar varieties, the shade of "Pirosmani" has cold purple impurities.
The density of the wine is average, it slowly flows down the walls of the glass, leaving a mark.
The drink has a full, rich bouquet in which cherry notes are clearly felt. Some connoisseurs even talk about the taste of cherries in cognac.
Clay Pitcher Wine
Today, wine is not only stored and infused in clay at the manufacturing plant, but even sometimes it is sold in it. Many Georgian wines are made in unusual dishes, reminiscent of old, handmade. For Pirosmani, two unique bottles were developed - the classic form and a very unusual, flattened, decorated with stucco decoration.
Looking at this vessel, you might think that it was sculpted by a potter somewhere in a sunlit mountain valley. Of course, not every wine store gets such a product, and it is relatively expensive.
Niko Pirosmani and his paintings
Another legend that has always been full around every standing wine concerns its name. The wine got its name in honor of the Georgian artist-primitivist, who lived at the turn of the past and the century before last.
Pictures of Niko Pirosmani are often used to decorate labels of the same name wine. Reproductions are often present in the interior design of wine cellars and Georgian restaurants around the world.
The artist praised in his creations the wonderful mountainous nature of Georgia, his loyalty to the traditions of winemaking, and the traditional hospitality and hospitality in those parts. He also touched on the topic of the culture of consumption of good wine, when the goal is not at all a strong degree, but taste and aroma. And, of course, a good company of like-minded people who are able to share the pleasure of a noble drink.
Gastronomic combinations
Traditionally semi-dry red wine is served with fried meat. The red to red rule applies. Wine "Pirosmani", reviews of which note a rich taste and wonderful aroma, is great for game, beef, pork.
Serve such wine and fruit. An interesting combination with the grape itself. Cherry and pomegranate shades the bouquet well. Citrus fruits do not overshadow it.
Traditional Caucasian cheeses and homemade cakes with these cheeses go well with this wine.
Although sweet wines are traditionally served for desserts, Pirosmani goes well with creamy and chocolate cakes and cakes. Go with this wine and nuts.
When serving, preference should be given to tall wine glasses with a throat tapering upwards. This helps the bouquet to open better and allows you to admire the amazing color of the wine in the glass. They drink such wine chilled until 17-19 o C.
How to choose a good wine
“Pirosmani”, of course, does not compete in price with the “Widow Clicquot,” but nevertheless costs more than the usual Cahors. This variety is considered vintage, its value is appropriate. Therefore, fakes are not uncommon. If you want to taste wonderful sunny wine, take your purchase seriously. Consider some features.
Firstly, all wine produced for export, except for information in the official language of the importing country, necessarily contains the Georgian text on the label. Secondly, a good wine store must have certificates for all its goods. Thirdly, pay attention to a kontramark. In addition, you should not trust dubious businessmen offering to buy "exactly that, but half the price."