"Usahelauri" is indeed a rare and ancient wine variety that is unique to Georgia. It is highly regarded by winegrowers and is used in the production of velvety, semi-sweet red wine with lush aromas of cherries, strawberries and spices.
Some statistics
Georgia is recognized as the birthplace of wine because it has a unique set of varieties Vitis vinifera, numbering about 500 species. In practice, only 38 of them are allowed to create drinks that can be commercially sold. Rkatsiteli and Saperavi are the most important in terms of volume, but "Usahelauri" is really one of the best: its name translates as "nameless", suggesting that the wine obtained from this variety is tasty without words.
Why is this variety exclusive?
Usakhelauri has a very low yield, and grapes grow on the mountain slopes in Racha-Lechkhumi, which is located in western Georgia. Basically, in the area of the villages of Aubi, Okureshi and Isunderi. Its production is extremely limited. In good years, wine production is about 700-1000 bottles, which means that by Georgian standards it can be quite expensive.
The first crop of "Usahelauri" can be obtained only 6 years after planting a bush. The main feature of the variety is that it grows only on mountain slopes, choosing very uncomfortable places that are extremely difficult to approach. One bush "Usahelauri" gives no more than 1-2 kilograms of berries. By the way, this amount is enough to fill one bottle.
The main producers of Usakhelauri wine are Usakhelauri Vineyards and Royal Khvanchkara.
Key Features
Wine "Usahelauri" - semisweet, with an alcohol content of not more than 11%. It is produced by stopping fermentation, leaving residual sugar in the drink.
Wine "Usahelauri" is considered premium, and all because of its unique taste and aroma. It can not be compared with any other alcoholic drink. Reviews prove that when opening the wine, notes of chocolate, dry grass, figs, berries and walnuts are felt. At the same time, the drink is in perfect harmony with subtle salty and caramel notes.
Wine "Usahelauri" is produced since 1943 and is known for its delicate and delicate qualities. The taste is harmoniously sweet, a shade of strawberries is noted. It features incomparable piquancy and velvety taste. This valuable grape drink is considered elite. "Usahelauri" is also the most expensive Georgian wine, because the variety of the same name is rare, capricious and practically does not produce a large amount of yield.
How much is this wonderful wine
Choosing Usakhelauri can give you an unforgettable experience. This is a full-fledged wine with a unique taste. That is why the cost of an alcoholic drink is at least 80 GEL (in Russia, the price ranges from 3000 to 5500 rubles). And such a high price is a consequence of exclusivity and rarity. Georgian wine "Usahelauri", in comparison with others, is considered the most valuable. For comparison, Muscat is also produced in limited quantities, because the same-name grape variety grows in Kakheti and Gori, its cost is at least 2500-3000 rubles.
But the high price is not only a consequence of the low yield of the variety. To create an incredibly tasty and full-fledged drink, a complex production technique is required. Berry picking takes place in late autumn, approximately at the beginning or end of November, it is desirable that the first frost sets in. After the grapes are carefully processed, and the process of making the drink begins - fermentation takes place on the pulp (raw materials consisting of seeds, pulp and juice itself), extremely slowly.
And what to eat
Wine "Usahelauri" is ideal as a digestif, which is served after a meal. That is why the drink is ideally combined with airy and semi-sweet desserts (for example, ice cream and biscuit), as well as with fresh fruits and nuts.
Drink wine is recommended, pre-cooled, pour in small portions into a special glass. The drink is ideal not only as a digestif, but also an aperitif with eggplant appetizers.
Judging by the reviews
No wonder they say that the wine "Usahelauri" was Stalin's favorite. In the Soviet Union, an ordinary consumer could not find the coveted drink on the shelves of the store. All production was carefully controlled, so even winegrowers could not leave some of the raw materials to create wine for their family. No one dared to violate this decree, knowing what Beria was capable of (Joseph Stalin's right hand).
Today, the drink can be found in specialized stores. Judging by the reviews, the wine "Usahelauri" is really worth the money. It is incredibly aromatic and rich, revealing with fruit and berry notes that balance with the taste of walnuts and ripe figs. The drink is moderately sweet, saltiness is felt. It attracts a ruby color, as well as an original bottle - streamlined and having a bizarre shape.
Of course, to try such a wine, you will need to spend a substantial amount. It is not suitable for ordinary gatherings, a bottle of an elite drink is opened only during a serious and important event. And this is not surprising, such a wine is an occasion to note an increase in the workplace, congratulate a respected family member or treat the newlyweds at the wedding.