Otskhanuri Sapere Red, Makaridze Winery - 2019

As I begin my journey, I equate trying to learn the history of Georgia and its winemaking practices with studying advanced calculus. With 8,000 years of winemaking history and over 500 indigenous grape varietals, Georgia is a region that demands exploration. Gogita Makaridze makes a medium-plus-bodied red wine that is grown and produced in the Imereti region of western Georgia using the thick-skinned Otskhanuri Sapere grape, which is perfectly suited for the humid climate. A concentrated, deep ruby hue coats the glass while notes of ripe black fruits, refreshingly tart cranberry, and poblano pepper lend way to rustic, earthy flavors of pleasant game, and dried clay. This bottle benefited from an hour in a decanter to soften the grip of its tightly knit tannins while letting the complex aromas develop. Cumin lamb noodles are a must.