Patritti Wines Saperavi 2018

2018 Saperavi Barossa Valley

Saperavi originates from Georgia where it is the principal red grape variety with viticulture and winemaking dating back some 6000 years. During the late 1990s Patritti employed the services of a Georgian winemaker. After a trip back to his homeland he arrived at the winery with a bottle of Saperavi. Everyone was impressed with its great colour, structure and acidity and needed no further convincing. Soon after a small vineyard was planted by Patritti’s oldest grower in the Barossa Valley. The name Saperavi literally translates to ‘ink’. Characteristically, the berries have dark pink flesh and very dark skins producing wines that are deeply coloured. The vines are adaptable, with Australian cool climate regions attracted to its ability to survive cold winters, but is also grown in warmer regions as well.

REGION

With over 160 years of continuous winemaking, the Barossa Valley is one of the best known wine regions in the world. The climate is warm with low rainfall, producing flavourful wines that exhibit both depth and complexity.

VINIFICATION

After harvest the grapes were warm soaked in small batches for one day to develop the deep colour this variety is known for. Fermented on skins for seven days with gentle extraction and minimal pump-over the wine was regularly tasted to ensure the correct balance of flavour, tannin and acidity was produced. Gently pressed, the wine was transferred into 10% new American and 20% new French oak where it was matured for 18 months before blending and bottling.

TASTING COMMENTS

Saperavi is known for its deep and dark purple colour and this wine is no exception. The aromas are intense and impactful with blackcurrant, plum and raspberry notes leaping from the glass, but as always there is an earthy and savoury element that is so characterisitc of Saperavi. In the mouth the wine is massive, it’s full-on in every way; body, tannins and red berry flavour are all there in spades but all work together in harmony and a surprising softness.