In all countries where winemaking plays an important role in the economy, there is such a thing as appellas. The term itself is French. But there are appellations everywhere where vines are cultivated and wine is made. These are small areas where the microclimate and soil are most favorable for growing crops. And in Georgia, the Alazani Valley is such an appellation. This is a very picturesque place of Kakheti.
The transparent river Alazani flows between the Main Caucasian Range and the Ziv-Gomborg Mountains. Its shores 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 amazing wine "Alazani Valley". We studied consumer reviews about it and in this article we present the characteristics of drinks from the heart of Kakheti.
The art of winemaking
No less than appellation, the traditions of vines cultivation passed from generation to generation are important. Wine production in Georgia has more than one millennium. Local varieties of vines were bred, such as "rakatsiteli", "saperavi", "alexandrouli", "ojaleshi", "Mujuretuli". The wines from Georgia were mentioned by Homer, Strabo, Xenophon. In the ninth century AD, at the Academy of Education in the ancient city of Ikalto, the art of cultivating vines and the secrets of making drinks were taught as a science.
Kakheti, in eastern Georgia, has always been famous for the most favorable conditions for winemaking. It was here that native varieties of vines were bred. Previously, the crop was brought in a deer - a special room where there was a huge crush. It was made from a solid tree trunk. The berries were crushed with their feet. Wort on special grooves flowed down into the vat. The vinification process ended in qvevri - a huge clay jug that was dug into the ground at the very neck. Of course, now a lot of the process has changed. But nevertheless, the shadow of the former envelops the wine "Alazani Valley". The reviews assure that there is something patriarchal, home-like in the taste of the drink.
Unique grape varieties
In the modern world, many sown areas are occupied by vines bred in France. "Chardonnay", "Merlot", "Cabernet" are quite unpretentious and perfectly take root in foreign lands. But winemakers of Kakheti adhere to the point of view that indigenous varieties are always better. They were deduced based on local climate and soil conditions. What is the wine "Alazani Valley" made of? The reviews mention two main varieties - red "saperavi" and white "rakatsiteli". Sometimes, in some nominations, they are mixed in insignificant amounts with “Mtsvane Kazuri,” “Kisi,” and others. A few words should be said about these indigenous varieties. "Saperavi" in Georgian means "dye." This is the only grape variety whose juice is red. Saperavi berries are characterized by a strong aroma and fresh taste, which only increases from aging. The word "rakatsiteli" means "red horn" - in the shape and color of berries. But only white wines are made from this variety. They are distinguished by moderate acidity, fullness and harmony.
White wine "Alazani Valley": reviews
The variety "Rkatsiteli" under the hot sun of Georgia is gaining sugar. Therefore, wines from it are semisweet or dessert. Basically, various manufacturers adhere to monosortivnosti in the manufacture of white "Alazani Valley." But sometimes wort from the mtsvane kahuri variety is mixed into the drink to give a characteristic saturation. White wine from a 100 percent “rakatsiteli” is distinguished by a light straw color with a slightly golden tint. The bouquet is fresh, fruity, in which the aromas of ripe melon and quince predominate. The taste has a slight acidity. It feels the nuances of honey, wildflowers, hawthorn and acacia.
What and how to serve
Semi -sweet white wine "Alazani Valley" reviews recommend to vegetable dishes, cold appetizers, fish and seafood. The drink can also serve as an aperitif to the buffet. Dessert white will be an excellent accompaniment to sweet pastries, ice cream, fruit salads. Serve wine is recommended chilled to ten to fifteen degrees heat. It can be stored indefinitely. From time to time the drink acquires the taste of candied quince and ripe sweet melon. Reviews warn about the insidiousness of the drink. Alcohol is almost not felt when consumed. But the drink slowly and gradually immerses you in 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" semisweet red
Reviews describe the color of this drink as dark garnet with purple reflections. The complex fruit bouquet is dominated by tones of blackberries and other wild berries. The taste of the drink is velvety, full-bodied. It feels a slight sourness. The finish is long, playing in halftones. Red wine "Alazani Valley" reviews recommend serving with meat dishes of Georgian cuisine. It goes well with barbecue, but it also goes well with cold snacks. Customer reviews assure that the wine will be appropriate for a sweet table. It is good to combine with light desserts - soufflé, fruits, cheeses.
Cost in Russian alcohol stores
Wine "Alazani Valley" (Georgia) reviews are classified as affordable price segment. An already cleared product with a store wrap costs about three hundred rubles per bottle. Wines under this brand are produced by many manufacturers. You can find this drink even in a tetrapack. Therefore, the price range is quite wide. Sometimes for a bottle of "Alazani Valley" they ask only two hundred rubles. More eminent producers (for example, Shemodogoma) estimate a liter of their wine in a ceramic jug at six hundred and fifty-five rubles.