Unveiling Saperavi: A Georgian Treasure for Your Easter Party 2023 (£11, Ocado.com; Marks & spencer) As the joyous occasion of Easter approaches, many are gearing up for a feast centered around lamb. The culinary delights of Georgia offer an exciting choice to the conventional family gatherings typically associated with Christmas. Located in the Caucasus region, Georgia is renowned for its rich culinary heritage that features bold flavors from fresh herbs like tarragon and dill, nut-based pastes such as nigvzis sakmazi, fruits like sour plums and dried barberries, spices including fenugreek and ajika (a spicy red pepper mix), along with matsoni—a fermented dairy product akin to yogurt. Lamb plays a pivotal role in Georgian cuisine, prominently showcased in chakapuli—a cherished national dish where tender meat is simmered with sour plums and fragrant herbs. This dish’s intricate flavor profile pairs exquisitely with robust red wines such as M&S’s Found Saperavi, made from one of Georgia’s exceptional indigenous grape varieties.
Tbilvino Saperavi: A Sip of Kakheti 2023 (£13.99 or £11.99 when bought as part of a mixed case at majestic.co.uk) The Saperavi grape falls into an intriguing category known as teinturier grapes—distinguished by their red flesh that imparts a deep hue and rich juice reminiscent of freshly picked blackberries. These wines often showcase vibrant berry flavors balanced by refreshing acidity that complements various lamb dishes beyond traditional georgian recipes. whether your preparation involves slow-cooked Moroccan spices or classic Sunday roasts infused with garlic and rosemary, Tbilvino’s aromatic selection stands out; it evokes memories of youthful southern French syrah thanks to its luscious dark fruit notes accented by hints of aniseed. For those desiring something truly exquisite, Orgo Saperavi is highly regarded for its silky texture featuring flavors like hibiscus alongside blackberries (the 2022 vintage retails at £21.50 on nywines.co.uk; anticipate the excellent 2023 version soon).
Aussie Innovation: Russell & Suitor ‘Alejandro’ Saperavi from Murray darling 2021 (starting at £14.99 on lokiwine.co.uk; also available at davywine.co.uk; hedleywright.co.uk) The Orgo label is crafted by esteemed winemaker Gogi Dakishvili using ancient Georgian methods involving fermentation in clay vessels known as qvevri—an age-old technique dating back over eight millennia that has inspired winemakers worldwide recently. This method isn’t confined to reds; it also produces orange or amber wines from white grapes exemplified by Okro’s Zvari Rkatsiteli from Kakheti 2022 (£20.40 on botteapostle.com). This particular wine showcases nutty dryness balanced against autumnal quince fruitiness and zesty citrus notes—qualities that harmonize beautifully with dishes like chakapuli too! Moreover, Georgia’s unique grape varieties are gaining international acclaim; Russell & Suitor’s Alejandro utilizes saperavi cultivated within Australia’s sun-drenched Murray Darling region resulting in another juicy option infused with herbal and spicy nuances perfect for pairing alongside your easter lamb.