18
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it half an hour before service. Widely regarded as one of Georgia’s most renowned wineries, Chateau Mukhrani is located in the Kartli wine region of western Georgia. It has a long history: built in the 12th century, it was transformed into a wine estate by Prince Ivane Mukhranbatoni upon his return from a trip to Bordeaux. Later abandoned, the estate resumed winemaking in the early 2000s when it was acquired by investors who renovated the chateau, vineyards, and cellar. Kindzmarauli is a traditional Georgian semi-sweet wine made from Saperavi grapes from the Kindzmarauli micro-wine appellation. Here the vineyards enjoy a landscape of incredible beauty and mineral-rich soils that ensure the production of unique wines with a wide spectrum of flavors. After harvesting at over-ripeness and vinification, the wine rests for 12-18 months in oak barrels before bottling. In the glass, the wine reveals a brilliant color of dark ruby tones with some purple hues. Its aromatic profile is delicate and unusual with sweet notes of blackberry and cherry, floral hints, and some tar nuances on the finish. On the palate, it is soft and velvety, rich and medium-bodied with a lively acidity that balances well the natural sweetness. The finish is long and pleasantly fruity. With its slightly sweet character and smooth texture it pairs perfectly with game birds.