Taoba Saperavi 2023 is a powerful Georgian red wine from Kakheti, crafted by winemakers Nugzar Ksovreli and Thierry Fontannaz. Behind this wine is Ilia Estate, where the history of the Konchosvilli family plays an important role, with cellars dating back to 1737. This combination of ancient Georgian wine culture and modern craftsmanship is reflected in the style of Taoba: a deep, spicy Saperavi with ripe dark fruit, qvevri influence, and oak aging.
The grapes come from Kakheti, Georgia's most important wine region and an area with a long tradition of qvevri winemaking.
- Location / Origin: The vineyards are located in Kakheti, in eastern Georgia, near the border with Azerbaijan. Within this area, Kvareli and Kindzmarauli play an important role along the Duruji River valley.
- Altitude: The southern slopes of the Caucasus are located at an altitude of over 400 meters. This location helps to combine ripeness with freshness in the grapes.
- Soil: The soils are rich in black shale. This type of soil warms up well and contributes to the concentration in the fruit.
- Climate & Influences: The proximity to the Caucasus ensures mild days and cool nights during the harvest period. This helps keep the grapes healthy and supports slow, even ripening.
- Vineyard & Harvest: The vines have an average age of 30 years, and the grapes are harvested by hand and carefully selected.
Taoba Saperavi is made entirely from Saperavi, one of Georgia's most characteristic red grapes.
- 100% Saperavi – Kakheti: Saperavi is a teinturier, a red grape with red pulp. This explains the deep color, firm structure, and concentrated dark fruit notes of this wine.
The vinification combines traditional Georgian qvevri with modern cellar techniques and oak aging.
- Fermentation: A portion of the wine ferments in qvevri, large earthenware amphorae traditionally used in Georgia for fermentation and aging. Another portion ferments in stainless steel, which helps preserve the pure fruit expression of Saperavi.
- Aging / Oak influence: The final cuvée is aged in a combination of stainless steel, qvevri, 5000-liter wooden vats, and American oak barrels. This gives the wine strength and structure as well as spice, roundness, and extra depth.
