Chateau Mukhrani Khvanchkara semi-sweet red wine

Chateau Mukhrani Khvanchkara 2020

This semi-sweet red wine from 2020 does not require decanting, though it benefits from being opened 30 minutes before serving. Chateau Mukhrani, originally founded in the 12th century, gained renewed vitality in the early 2000s after being abandoned due to phylloxera. Inspired by Bordeaux, Prince Ivane Mukhranbatoni planted the first French and local grape varieties in the late 1800s. Today, under winemaker Patrick Honnef, the estate crafts excellent wines. Khvanchkara is made from Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli, two indigenous Georgian grapes. The wine shows an intense, bright ruby color, with a wide aromatic range featuring ripe raspberries, strawberries, cherries, and subtle woody and nutty hints. On the palate, it is round and delicate with balanced acidity, fine tannins, and a velvety texture. Medium-light bodied, it pairs well with meat dishes featuring fruity sauces, poultry, as well as fruit salads and red fruit tarts.

Chateau Mukhrani Kindzmarauli 2023

Best opened 30 minutes prior to serving, this semi-sweet red comes from Chateau Mukhrani, a historic winery located in Georgia’s Kartli region. Founded in the 12th century and revived in the 2000s, the estate produces this traditional wine from the Saperavi grape grown in the Kindzmarauli micro-appellation. The vineyards thrive on mineral-rich soils and scenic landscapes, creating wines with complex flavors. After harvesting at optimal ripeness, the wine matures for 12-18 months in oak barrels. It pours a vivid dark ruby with purple highlights and offers delicate aromas of blackberry, cherry, floral notes, and a hint of tar on the finish. Soft and velvety on the palate, medium-bodied with lively acidity balancing natural sweetness, it finishes long and fruitily. Ideal with game birds.

Chateau Mukhrani Reserve Royale Saperavi 2019

Recommended to decant for one hour, this exceptional 2019 vintage comes from Chateau Mukhrani in Kartli near Tbilisi. Dating back to the 12th century, the estate blends French Bordeaux style with indigenous Georgian varieties grown organically. Reserve Royale Saperavi is crafted from carefully selected, mature vines. The wine presents a clear, intense dark ruby color with complex aromas of dark berries, blackberry, mulberry, cherries, vanilla, and smoked wood. On the palate, it is round, soft, balanced, and elegant with velvety tannins and refreshing acidity. The long finish recalls ripe plum notes. It offers excellent aging potential but is already enjoyable, particularly with game stews and red meats.

Chateau Mukhrani Saperavi Superior 2021

This powerful 2021 Saperavi comes from Chateau Mukhrani, a winery with over 100 hectares of organically farmed vineyards and a history dating back to the 12th century. After a full renovation in 2002, the estate combines traditional and modern winemaking under Patrick Honnef’s direction. Made exclusively from Saperavi grapes, this wine shows an intense ruby color and a broad aromatic profile featuring red and dark fruits such as blackberry, cherry, and wild berries. The complex bouquet and strong character reflect the potential for excellent aging.

Chateau Mukhrani Shavkapito 2021

No decanting required, but best opened an hour before serving. Chateau Mukhrani, established in the 12th century and revitalized in the 19th century with Bordeaux influences, focuses today on indigenous Georgian grapes with organic practices. Shavkapito, native to Kartli, is less common but shows great promise. This 2021 vintage is full-bodied with a deep, clear ruby color and rich aromas of plum, black cherry, raspberry jam, complemented by subtle coffee and licorice notes. The palate is well-structured and balanced with firm acidity and ripe tannins, medium-full body, and a long concentrated finish. Excellent with Greek-style roast goat leg or Middle Eastern lamb stew.