Georgian wines are rightly considered to be high-quality and tasty drinks. They win medals annually and receive high marks from experts at international competitions. “Ahasheni” - wine made from the Saperavi grape variety. It has a pleasant sweet taste with light fruity notes. The drink began to be produced in Georgia in the days of the USSR, since then this wine has not ceased to be in demand.
Brief wine description
“Akhasheni” refers to semisweet wines, the sugar content in it ranges from 3-5%, and the amount of alcohol - about 11-12 revolutions. This drink has a rich pomegranate color. The aroma of wine is dominated by notes of ripe cherry and blackberry, tones of black currant and other fruit and berry plants are captured. To better feel the bouquet of the drink, before the first sip, you need to shake it a little in a glass and inhale nice fumes.
The taste of the drink is harmonious and bright, it is revealed gradually, with each sip. It can be felt as much as possible when chilled. A glass of wine gives sweetness and moderate astringency, which will be appreciated by lovers of such drinks. After its use, a velvety aftertaste with a light chocolate tint remains.
Distinctive features of the Saperavi grape variety
For the preparation of Akhasheni wine, only Saperavi grapes are used, which grows in the Gurjaan region of Georgia. This plant has medium-sized branches, its berries give a transparent sweet juice. This grape variety is characterized by such features:
- high pigment content (this ensures the rich color of the future wine);
- harmonious taste;
- thin but elastic peel of the fruit, due to which the special taste and smell of pulp is preserved;
- a large amount of juice in berries (80-82% of the total mass).
This grape is distinguished by the constancy of the harvest: with proper care, it regularly bears fruit, but the berries must be picked in time so that they do not crumble. A plant of this variety is resistant to many parasites and pests, so the losses during its cultivation are usually negligible. But this grape is sensitive to the lack of watering and too high ambient temperatures.
History of occurrence
Despite the wide range of alcohol products available to customers today, Georgian wines are especially popular. The price of these drinks is much lower than that of European counterparts, and the quality is very high. So, for example, “Khvanchkara” costs from 14 to 31 dollars, “Twishes” - about 10 dollars, “Ahasheni” - about 12 dollars. A glass of wine prepared in Georgia can give an unforgettable extravaganza of taste even to sophisticated gourmets and connoisseurs.
Manufacturing Akhasheni on an industrial scale at a winery began in 1958 in the village of the same name. This wine, according to regulatory documents, can only be produced in this geographical area. It is as if nature specially created here optimal climatic conditions for winemaking: the air here is warm, but at the same time humid thanks to rivers, trees and mountains. Any attempts to reproduce the drink outside Georgia and then sell it under this name are considered illegal. Therefore, when choosing Akhasheni wine, you need to carefully read the information on the label regarding the place of manufacture and the year of harvest.
The legend of the origin of wine
In Georgia, probably, there is not a single national drink whose history of creation would not have been shrouded in legends and secrets. According to ancient legends, “Akhasheni” is a wine that appeared during the reign of King David IV. He decided to build a church in honor of St. George, who was then considered the patron saint of conquests and campaigns. In a dream, the king saw the place where the monastery should be erected, which served as the beginning of work.
The people who were entrusted with this mission decided to drink a little red wine before increasing the vitality and feeling of vigor before starting the construction. Drops of this drink hit the ground, and the next day grape shoots began to grow there. The ruler of Georgia gave the order to cultivate this plant in this area, since he considered it a good sign. Since then, Saperavi grapes have been grown on an industrial scale in the village of Akhasheni, which is used in wine-making.
Undesirable combinations when serving wine
Since Akhasheni belongs to the category of semi-sweet wines, it cannot be served together with sour and spicy sauces based on mustard and vinegar. This combination does not allow you to fully experience the delicate notes of a noble drink and enjoy its taste. It is also undesirable to combine wine with such products:
- chocolate (because of the cloying wine bouquet will not be felt);
- canned seafood (a high fat content after a meal can cause an unpleasant aftertaste);
- lemon, orange, grapefruit (acid and bitterness can distort the real taste of the drink);
- seasonings with a pronounced smell and taste, which interrupt all the organoleptic characteristics of wine (curry, chili, mint).
Any aromatic and tasty alcoholic drinks do not go well with tobacco smoking. It is better to abstain from this habit when using Akhasheni. Because of this, the wine may not open or even completely change its taste when reacting with tobacco smoke.
What snacks harmoniously fit with Akhasheni wine?
Like most semi-sweet wines, this product goes well with desserts, cheeses, game and meat of any bird. The main requirement for the appetizer served is a mild flavor so that it does not interrupt the bouquet of the drink. "Akhasheni" - wine that is perfect for such dishes and products:
- baked vegetables and grilled meat;
- pastes;
- khachapuri;
- Parmesan and soft cream cheese;
- eggplant snack rolls with nut filling;
- cakes and cakes (without chocolate);
- hot appetizers of fish and lean meats.
What could be a more pleasant addition to a delicious dinner in a relaxed atmosphere than a classic Georgian wine in a clay bottle? It will be the decoration of the festive table and will emphasize the main dishes with its unsurpassed taste. "Akhasheni" is produced both in glass and clay dishes, so each consumer will be able to find the best option for themselves in design and cost.