Saperavi

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Saperavi (Geo.: საფერავი; literally "paint, dye" - due to its intensive dark-red colour) is a grape variety used to make Georgian wines. Two notable examples are Kindzmarauli (two years old) and Mukuzani (three year old and vintage). It originated from Kakheti region of Eastern Georgia and now is spread throughout its entire territory (Kakheti, Saingilo, Kartli, Shavshet-Klardjeti, Imereti, Guria, Racha and Lechkhumi). One year old wine made from this grape is branded as "Saperavi". It produces substantial deep red wines that are suitable for extended aging, perhaps up to fifty years. Saperavi has the potential to produce high alcohol levels and is used extensively for blending with other lesser varieties. It is the most important grape variety used to make Georgian red wines.

Saperavi is being grown in Australia by a few growers who have had promising results.

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[edit] Kindzmarauli

Kindzmarauli is a dark red, naturally semi-sweet wine, which is made from the indigenous grape varietal Saperavi in the Kvareli district of the Kakheti region of Georgia, in the South Caucusus.

During production of the wine, the sugar content is maintained naturally, without additives or chemicals, resulting in a finished wine with a sugar content of 3% to 5%, and an alcohol percentage of 13.0%.

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