Bedoba, Saperavi

Wine Type: Red

Grape(s): 100% Saperavi

Country: Georgia

Region: Kakheti

Organic: Practising Organic

Vegan: Yes

Biodynamic: Practising Biodynamic

ABV: 13.5%

Winemaker: Thierry Fontannaz & Nugzar Ksovreli. Bedoba, which translates to `Day of Luck’, is a Georgian winery primarily dedicated to making wines from the countries indigenous Saperavi grape, partially vinified in traditional qvevri vessels. The original winery, whose cellars date back to 1737, was founded by the Konchosvilli family who had a close relationship with the church (`koncho` means cross).

Tasting Notes: This wine is dark purple in colour. The nose opens with a powerful savoury-spicy bouquet of blackberries, herbs, flowers and black pepper. The palate has a creamy, juicy texture, ripe tannins and black fruit flavours.

Winemaking: Bedoba is made from grapes sourced from vineyards located in the classic and traditional microzones of Kindzmarauli and Kvareli, in the Kakheti region. The vineyards are on average 30 years old, conducted on trellis and situated in a valley where the Duruji River used to run. The soils here are rich in black shale, and the southern slopes of the Caucasus Mountains provide altitudes of over 400 metres above sea level, bringing fresh acidity and soft tannins. Sustainable and organic practices are observed in the vineyards and harvest is carried out by hand.

Following a six-week fermentation period, the tank-fermented wine was moved to a combination of stainless-steel tanks, 5000-litre wooden vats, and second and third use 225-litre American oak barrels to undergo malolactic conversion. The final blend consists of 55% Saperavi matured in stainless-steel, 15% in 5000-litre wooden vats, 20% in second and third-use 225-litre American oak barrels, and 10% Qvevri. After bottling, the wine remained in the cellar for an additional six months before its release.

Food Pairing: Pair with hearty lamb or beef dishes, as well as earthy mushroom dishes and root vegetables.