Freddy R. Troya

9.0

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. — 9 months ago

Claire Lower

9.1

VERY DARK. Blood and flowers — 6 years ago

Ewerson Farias

9.0

Absolutely fantastic georgian version of a burgundy, its got a little damp earth funk, but very juicy, aromatic, good dry acidity, a little licorice — 7 years ago

Justin Hansohn

9.1

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. — 9 years ago

Space

9.4

Выпито 26-28 июля в азиатском ресторане в отеле Parsgraph resort. Очень достойное вино 2020 года урожаявиноград отшанури сапири от производителя “ Слезы черного дрозда» — a year ago

Martinez

9.0

Entry-level red, made with Otskhanuri Sapere, a rare “teinturier” variety from western Georgia (genetically unrelated to the much more popular Saperavi, but similarly known from producing very dark colored wines). From vineyards in Imereti, in the west of the country. Aged in oak (No qvevri). Cherry color. Bright, fresh on the nose. Aromas of red fruit. Medium-bodied (much lighter than their Saperavi I tasted next to it). Good acidity. — 3 years ago

Jordan

9.4

Very nice wine, more like a Pinot Noire. Lighter in color and a little pepper flavor. Very smooth and enjoyable after breathing — 7 years ago

Riddley Walker

8.9

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

John McCarroll

Sales Rowan Imports

9.4

Holy fucking shit. Low alcohol, high acid 800 liters it's my girlfriend — 9 years ago

carmen

9.5

herbaceous funky effervescent red. it’s a big bright wine with notes of blackberry. it’s acidic and tannic, and a unique wine to cut through the flavors of a steak. — 2 years ago

Yuri

9.0

Good Rose with Sashimi — 3 years ago

Martinez

9.0

Made with Otskhanuri Sapere, a rare “teinturier” variety from western Georgia (genetically unrelated to the much more popular Saperavi, but similarly known from producing very dark colored wines). From a vineyard in the village of Obcha, in the Imereti region in western Georgia. Fermented and aged in qvevri. Almost opaque, deep ruby color with purple hues. Intense aromas of wild berries, herbs and some earthy notes. Cherries, pomegranate and lollipop flavors. Fresh, juicy, delicious. Structured, grippy tannins, high acidity. Wild, fascinating, — 5 years ago

Samvel Simonyants

8.9

01/V/2018
На старте спичечная головка, легкий тон уксуса. Быстро раздышивается, проявляется кислая вишня, клюква, сушеные листья черники, сухая шерсть; через какое-то время малина. После часа уходит в приятную «морозную» органолептику, напоминающую сорбет из красных ягод. Легкое тело, ягодный вкус, абсолютно чистый, с высокой, чуть нервной, кислотностью и худосочными танинами. Легкая растительная горчинка в послевкусии. 16,5/20 — 8 years ago

Sybaritewino C.Lawrence

9.0

haunting. — 10 years ago