Residents of Georgia define Mukuzani red wine as a drink with an obstinate and complex taste. His tasting does not like rush. Each successive sip made gradually opens a bouquet of wine, in which saturated berry and oak shades prevail, as well as a thick aftertaste. The taste of properly aged "Mukuzani" has the traditional taste of dry wine. There are velvet density and a slight astringency, as well as a viscosity that envelops taste buds for a long time with oak aroma, spices and a fruity touch.
Mukuzani: general information about wine
"Mukuzani" is a wine of dark red color, it is made from a special Saperavi variety. The name of the area where this grape grows, and formed the basis of the name of the drink. The color of grape juice is dark pomegranate, dense and saturated, practically does not let in sunlight. If you accidentally spill it on your clothes, removing the stain will be extremely difficult, since it cannot be washed off. Juice on the body cannot be washed off for several days. These are the qualities that Mukuzani has. Dry red wine retains a dense saturation, even if diluted with water. Properly aged "Mukuzani" has titratable acidity of 6.5-7.5 g / liter, as well as a strength of 10.4-12.6 percent.
Wine making area
Mukuzani is a region in Kakheti where the traditions of winemaking originated hundreds of years ago and are preserved to this day. These mountainous areas are famous for the best grape varieties and numerous plantations. In Kakheti, most of the vineyards of Georgia are located. Here, between the rivers Alazani and Iori, there are settlements Teliani and Mukuzani, which are the birthplace of an unsurpassed Saperavi grape variety. The region is famous not only for its unique grapes, but also for the number of centenarians who live here. In general terms, this indicator exceeds all other areas of this country. The locals themselves say that it is the unique qualities of Saperavi and the drinks made from this grape that cause longevity and good health.
In this area, the wine "Mukuzani" is exclusively a drink for men, due to the heavy and dense texture. However, in the old days it was given to children for medicinal purposes, as the main means against anemia. Yes, and now many doctors say that dark wine is the best remedy against the "pale disease", which is so common in adolescents. They also advise this drink in small quantities to people who have had pneumonia, flu, and have vitamin deficiency, a debilitating cough.
Produces wine "Mukuzani" Georgia. This country has long been famous for winemaking and its hospitality.
Manufacturing technology
Grapes for this alcoholic beverage are harvested by hand in early autumn. This time is considered the best (taking into account sugar content and ripeness of berries). The grapes are peeled from the leaves and whole clusters are laid out in a special tub. The completely laid raw material is subjected to extrusion - and the branches that form the vine, seeds, and peel of the berry.
The resulting liquid mixture is then poured into qvevri - a national clay jug of impressive size, which is recessed into the ground. Fermentation itself lasts approximately 5 months. Young wine - majari - is decanted into barrels made of oak and allowed to infuse for at least 3 years.
Such a long exposure is made specifically for the Mukuzani wine. This grape variety is dark pomegranate, it has an exquisite blend of oak and berry flavor.
The technique of making wine products has left a certain mark on the smell of this drink. Wine "Mukuzani" has a full-fledged aroma, which combines the whole bouquet of raw materials used: the muscat and refined smell of grape skin, the ripe sweetness of berries, the spicy smell of vine branches, the astringent taste of seeds. The drink gives a taste of barely audible vanilla, ripe cherries, dark chocolate.
Main advantages
Mukuzani is a wine that has been considered the standard of alcoholic beverages made from Saperavi grapes for more than a century. The brand won 15 international exhibitions, among them 10 awards of the highest standard. In 2011, the name of this brand added to the list of appellations - areas in which wine production is controlled by geographical location, in other words, it is considered an author's drink.
Popular wine manufacturers
At the moment, the most popular manufacturers of Mukuzani are:
- The Besini enterprise, which has been manufacturing since 2005. This company owns 130 vineyards in the region of Kakheti, this makes it possible to process at least 2 thousand tons of raw materials every year. Sandro Khatiashvili is the owner of the company and at the same time the main expert of the Russian sommelier school, his wines were recognized as the best in the elite class group.
- “Badagoni” is a Georgian wine making company that has been operating since 2005. Winemakers from Italy and Georgia control the production of drinks, this makes it possible to implement the best technologies of the latest model in products, as well as to realize Kakheti recipes.
- The Dugladze manufacturing company has approximately 300 hectares of vineyards in the Kakheti region, produces 1,600 bottles of Mukuzani wine in 60 minutes, and supplies products to the countries of the former Union, the Baltic, Asia and Europe.
- The Marniskari enterprise has been producing alcoholic beverages since 1874. The creator of the family wine business Zakhar Dzhordzhadze invented his own methods, which later became the basis for modern production and are used by this enterprise. The main merit of the company is not only the constant implementation of ancient recipes and the observance of ancient traditions, which are national pride, but also in the revival of grape varieties lost over time.
- Askaneli is a family-owned wine-making enterprise that dates back to 1881. The company fully complies with ancient technologies, respects ancient traditions, and this makes the drinks of this company popular in England, France, Germany and other countries.
How to drink wine?
It is recommended to open red wines from Georgia immediately before serving. The temperature of the drink should be 19-21 degrees Celsius. Wine "Mukuzani" in this case "shows character", preferring a lower temperature for serving. The best temperature for drinking this alcohol is 11-15 degrees. Therefore, if you purchased Mukuzani for a holiday, be sure to remove it from the basement or refrigerator at least one hour before serving.
What to serve with Mukuzani?
The thick texture of the liquor needs an appropriate gastronomic presentation of dishes. It can be:
- classic recipes of Georgian cuisine:
- ordinary meat cooked on a fire or barbecue;
- ham;
- ham;
- boiled pork;
- various snacks;
- basturma.
You can also diversify your food with homemade cheese, fresh vegetables and herbs. Lavash and Georgian Tkemali sauce are perfect for meat.
Consumer Reviews
Dry wine "Mukuzani" is considered the pride of hospitable Georgia. If you are a great connoisseur of fine wines, and have never tried this drink, then you need to fix it urgently! Moreover, this wine is considered the ancestor of many others that began to be produced at the beginning of the last century. The price of Mukuzani wine is quite justified. It is about 450-1400 rubles, depending on the brand and aging time.
Consumers leave numerous reviews on product quality. Most of them are satisfied with the taste. Most of all, this wine is preferred by a strong half of humanity.