Mildiani Bouquet Qvevri Saperavi 2016

Mildiani brothers were among the pioneers of qvevri winemaking in modern Georgia. Mildiani Bouquet Qvevri Saperavi is a beautiful example of the unique qvevri method. Qvevri are large clay amphorae which have been used to ferment wine in Georgia since ancient times. However, the method was somewhat forgotten in the 20th century. While according to the Georgian tradition, qvevri are mainly used to produce complex orange wines, some gorgeous reds are also made in clay amphorae.

This powerful, characterful wine is made of Saperavi, Georgia's most acclaimed red grape variety. With deep ruby colour, it opens up in the glass with intense aromas of ripe dark cherries and cranberries, dark plums, jammy prunes and raisins, hints of figs, walnuts. Luxurious notes of dark chocolate and spices create a truly decadent feel both on the nose and on the palate. Mildiani Bouquet Qvevri Saperavi is a perfect match for various meat dishes, but also great on its own.  

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Peter Dean, The Buyer:

Great when a wine is way better than you expected it to be. This is 100% Saperavi, Georgia’s most prolific red grape variety that, in the wrong hands, can be too acidic and quite challenging. This example was quite sublime and outstanding. Vinified and aged in a qvevri (old-fashioned underground clay tank) this had a voluptuous mouthfeel, was complex, spicy and yet remarkably rounded for a Saperavi. On the eye it is intensely blood red; the aromas are black fruit, spice tin (black cardamom, cloves), bay leaf, jamon; the wine is medium to full bodied, with a complex array of flavours: wild black berries, liquorice, grilled meat, tobacco. There is richness, depth of flavour, ripe tannins and the acidity, well integrated and holding it all together. We paired this with spicy chicken and vegetable couscous which worked well, we also enjoyed it after the meal. Mildiani are a family-run winery that’s worth keeping an eye out for – their amber wines are outstanding too.

Julia Harding, Master of Wine:

“Deep crimson. As the name suggests, this is fragant: lifted dark-red fruit with a touch of stone dust. Incredibly youthful – so much fruit, and tannins not yet fully resolved. Big, deep; great harmony and length. Seems to be fixed in time and barely ageing.”