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Overview Made from 100% Otskhanuri Sapere, one of western Georgia’s oldest and most characterful indigenous red grapes, this 2022 vintage from Makaridze Winery highlights the bold, rustic style that the variety is known for. (Educational note: Otskhanuri Sapere is native to Imereti and produces deeply colored, high-acid, ageworthy wines — sometimes compared to Saperavi, but generally spicier and more tannic.)
Aromas & Flavors Dark plum, blackberry, and sour cherry layered with black pepper, clove, and earthy undertones. Secondary notes of forest herbs and tobacco bring depth and intensity.
Mouthfeel Full-bodied with robust tannins and lively acidity. Structured and firm, yet lifted by freshness, finishing long, savory, and slightly rustic.
Food Pairings Best with hearty dishes: roasted lamb, beef stew, or game meats. Also works well with aged hard cheeses or mushroom-heavy Georgian cuisine.
Verdict A powerful, structured red — bold and expressive, with both rustic charm and serious aging potential. The 2022 Otskhanuri Sapere is a striking example of Imereti’s winemaking heritage. 🍷
Did You Know? “Otskhanuri Sapere” roughly translates to “sapere (color/dye) from Otskhanuri”, referencing the grape’s deeply pigmented skins and regional origins. It is considered one of Georgia’s top red grapes for longevity.
Hidden Gem 💎 Still rare outside Georgia, Otskhanuri Sapere is a true indigenous treasure. This 2022 bottling by Makaridze Winery is both authentic and distinctive — a must-try for lovers of bold reds. — 19 days ago
Stewed plumes, potpourri, black pepper, tastes less agressive and funky than the nose would lead you to believe. Med/light body, ripe black fruits on the palate. Grows on me with each sip. — 9 years ago
Years back my cousin Billy bought a ton of Georgian wine when he was there and tried to be the middle man for the wineries here in the US. By the time I got to it most of it was bad. I'm really interested to see what else you try from there. A lot of people think that is where wine started
This one was really funky but apparently nothing compared to some of the other stuff Chambers has. I have a bottle of white from Georgia that they told me is more tannic than the reds! Will let you know how it goes.
Вишня, клубника, виноградная пастила, пионы, ароматные травы. Среднее тело со свежей кислотностью и мягкими танинами. Легко, естественно, просто, но с собственным характером, чисто и харизматично. — 7 years ago
2 months of skin contact. Talk about natural wine, it's as if the maker of this had never come in contact with any other one's wine before making this. Really fresh expression here, putting the grape on display in a very rich and juicy way. Mega value. — 8 years ago
Freddy R. Troya
Makaridze Winery – Otskhanuri Sapere 2022
Imereti – Georgia 🇬🇪
Overview
Made from 100% Otskhanuri Sapere, one of western Georgia’s oldest and most characterful indigenous red grapes, this 2022 vintage from Makaridze Winery highlights the bold, rustic style that the variety is known for. (Educational note: Otskhanuri Sapere is native to Imereti and produces deeply colored, high-acid, ageworthy wines — sometimes compared to Saperavi, but generally spicier and more tannic.)
Aromas & Flavors
Dark plum, blackberry, and sour cherry layered with black pepper, clove, and earthy undertones. Secondary notes of forest herbs and tobacco bring depth and intensity.
Mouthfeel
Full-bodied with robust tannins and lively acidity. Structured and firm, yet lifted by freshness, finishing long, savory, and slightly rustic.
Food Pairings
Best with hearty dishes: roasted lamb, beef stew, or game meats. Also works well with aged hard cheeses or mushroom-heavy Georgian cuisine.
Verdict
A powerful, structured red — bold and expressive, with both rustic charm and serious aging potential. The 2022 Otskhanuri Sapere is a striking example of Imereti’s winemaking heritage. 🍷
Did You Know?
“Otskhanuri Sapere” roughly translates to “sapere (color/dye) from Otskhanuri”, referencing the grape’s deeply pigmented skins and regional origins. It is considered one of Georgia’s top red grapes for longevity.
Hidden Gem 💎
Still rare outside Georgia, Otskhanuri Sapere is a true indigenous treasure. This 2022 bottling by Makaridze Winery is both authentic and distinctive — a must-try for lovers of bold reds. — 19 days ago