Solomnishvili #22 Saperavi 2019

I can't stop buying Saperavi. Clearly it is Georgia's greatest red export, and this one possibly trumps all I have tasted so far. Dense and wild like Malbec, but Giorgi Solomnishvili manages to coax freshness and elegance out of the variety like I haven't tasted before. Hearty and rustic with flavours of mulberries, dark cocoa and blackberry, backed up by black olives and a dose of cracked pepper. All supported by smooth, ripe tannins and a long, luxurious finish. Best enjoyed with a rich beef stew on a cold winters night.

In the heart of Georgia’s Kakheti region, nestled between the Alazani and Ivri rivers, Giorgi Solomnishvili is crafting some of the most soulful wines in the Caucasus. A passionate and meticulous winemaker, Giorgi works small – producing just 20,000–25,000 bottles annually – but what he achieves from his high-density, hand-harvested 0.2-hectare vineyard is anything but modest.

The terroir is dramatic and complex. Here, diverse climates converge – maritime influences from the Black Sea meet dry air from the Caspian, all moderated by the surrounding Likhi and Caucasus ridges. Soils are rich in clay, gravel, and limestone; vineyards sit between 250–800 metres above sea level – the kind of demanding environment that rewards only the most attentive farming.

Giorgi’s focus is the Saperavi grape – Georgia’s iconic teinturier variety. Deeply pigmented and naturally high in acidity, it yields wines of striking intensity and structure. Often dubbed the "Malbec of the Caucasus," it thrives in Giorgi’s hands, producing reds with richness, grip, and surprising elegance.

Traditional winemaking lies at the core of his philosophy. Grapes are pressed and placed into qvevri – large clay vessels buried underground – where they ferment naturally for up to six months. The wines are then aged in French oak, marrying ancient methods with a gentle nod to modernity.

Giorgi describes his wines as a “silent prayer” – and you can taste the devotion. These are contemplative, expressive bottlings that whisper of Georgia’s history and hum with the character of its land. If you're yet to discover Georgian wine, this is an exceptional place to start.