Barbale Shavkapito Reserve 2022

Drink it now or cellar it for up to 10 years. No need to decant it but best to open it half an hour before service. Barbale Winery is a relatively young company located in one of the oldest wine producing areas in Georgia. It produces organic wines under the guidance of the oenologist Berdia Berishvili, from indigenous grapes from the subregions of Kartli and Kakheti. Founded in 2016, it was named in honor of a Georgian goddess who represents fertility. Shavkapito is a rare indigenous grape variety from eastern Georgia, and more precisely from the Kartli region, which exhibits similar characteristics to the more common Saperavi but with a thinner profile and a slightly lighter body. The grapes for this Exceptional Harvest wine are organically grown and come from the Shida Kartli sub-area around the historic village of Mejvriskhevi. The aromatic palette is rich in notes of ripe black cherry, then black currant jam, plum, cherry tart, sweet spices and wood smoke tones. On the palate, all the wild berries flavors come back together with elegant and velvety tannins, and a full body. The acidity is moderate and perfectly integrated, and the spicy aftertaste is long and pleasant. Overall, the wine is extremely affordable and food friendly. It works deliciously with grilled meat and roast pork.