Vartsikhe Marani
Aladasturi
Imereti, Georgia
Vartsikhe Marani – Aladasturi Dry Red 2017
Imereti – Georgia 🇬🇪
Overview
Made from 100% Aladasturi, an indigenous Georgian red grape once nearly lost to history, this 2017 vintage from Imereti captures a lighter, more aromatic side of Georgian reds. (Educational note: Aladasturi is traditionally cultivated on high trellises, producing wines with pale color, soft tannins, and vivid acidity — quite different from Georgia’s bolder Saperavi.)
Aromas & Flavors
Red currant, cranberry, and sour cherry up front, with rose petal, pomegranate, and subtle herbal tones. A touch of spice and dried earth rounds out the profile.
Mouthfeel
Light-to-medium bodied, with refreshing acidity and very gentle tannins. Elegant, almost Pinot-like in texture, finishing bright and lifted with red fruit notes.
Food Pairings
Excellent with lighter meats like roast chicken or duck, grilled salmon, or tomato-based pasta. Also pairs well with khachapuri or herb-driven vegetarian dishes.
Verdict
A graceful, refreshing red that showcases the uniqueness of Aladasturi — delicate yet full of personality. At 7 years old, the 2017 vintage drinks beautifully, a reminder of Georgia’s wealth of forgotten grapes. 🍷
Did You Know?
Aladasturi was once one of Georgia’s most widely planted grapes, but nearly disappeared during the Soviet era. Today, small wineries like Vartsikhe Marani are reviving it as part of Georgia’s wine renaissance.
Hidden Gem 💎
A rare revival grape, Aladasturi is still scarcely seen outside Georgia. This 2017 bottling is a true gem for anyone eager to taste the diversity of Georgia’s indigenous reds.
Vartsikhe Marani – Aladasturi Dry Red 2017
Imereti – Georgia 🇬🇪
Overview
Made from 100% Aladasturi, an indigenous Georgian red grape once nearly lost to history, this 2017 vintage from Imereti captures a lighter, more aromatic side of Georgian reds. (Educational note: Aladasturi is traditionally cultivated on high trellises, producing wines with pale color, soft tannins, and vivid acidity — quite different from Georgia’s bolder Saperavi.)
Aromas & Flavors
Red currant, cranberry, and sour cherry up front, with rose petal, pomegranate, and subtle herbal tones. A touch of spice and dried earth rounds out the profile.
Mouthfeel
Light-to-medium bodied, with refreshing acidity and very gentle tannins. Elegant, almost Pinot-like in texture, finishing bright and lifted with red fruit notes.
Food Pairings
Excellent with lighter meats like roast chicken or duck, grilled salmon, or tomato-based pasta. Also pairs well with khachapuri or herb-driven vegetarian dishes.
Verdict
A graceful, refreshing red that showcases the uniqueness of Aladasturi — delicate yet full of personality. At 7 years old, the 2017 vintage drinks beautifully, a reminder of Georgia’s wealth of forgotten grapes. 🍷
Did You Know?
Aladasturi was once one of Georgia’s most widely planted grapes, but nearly disappeared during the Soviet era. Today, small wineries like Vartsikhe Marani are reviving it as part of Georgia’s wine renaissance.
Hidden Gem 💎
A rare revival grape, Aladasturi is still scarcely seen outside Georgia. This 2017 bottling is a true gem for anyone eager to taste the diversity of Georgia’s indigenous reds.