A naturally semi-sweet red made from Saperavi grapes grown at Kvareli in Kakheti. Cold autumn nights in the microzone halt the fermentation before all the sugar is gone, which is where the sweetness comes from — it is not added.
It is a protected appellation from one microzone, made in a licensed winery; there is nothing about it that happens in a kitchen.
What goes into it
- Saperavi grapes from the Kvareli microzone
- yeast
How it is made
The grapes are picked ripe and fermented on their skins for colour. As the autumn nights turn cold the yeast slows and stops while sugar remains, and the wine is then stabilised and bottled. Modern production controls the stopping point with cold rather than leaving it to the weather, but the appellation is defined by the site.
How long it takes: one vintage a year
How it is eaten
Lightly chilled with grilled meat, or on its own after dinner.
History
Protected appellation in the Kvareli microzone of Kakheti, where cold autumn nights halt fermentation and leave natural sweetness.
Frequently asked questions
What is Kindzmarauli?
Kindzmarauli is a wine & spirit from Georgia: naturally semi-sweet red made from Saperavi grapes grown at Kvareli. Protected appellation in the Kvareli microzone of Kakheti, where cold autumn nights halt fermentation and leave natural sweetness.
How is Kindzmarauli made?
The grapes are picked ripe and fermented on their skins for colour. As the autumn nights turn cold the yeast slows and stops while sugar remains, and the wine is then stabilised and bottled. Modern production controls the stopping point with cold rather than leaving it to the weather, but the appellation is defined by the site. It takes one vintage a year.
Can I make Kindzmarauli at home?
No, and the atlas gives no method for it. It is a protected appellation from one microzone, made in a licensed winery; there is nothing about it that happens in a kitchen.
What goes into Kindzmarauli?
Saperavi grapes from the Kvareli microzone, yeast.
How is Kindzmarauli eaten?
Lightly chilled with grilled meat, or on its own after dinner.
