From: Tsinandali, Kakheti, Georgia
Varietal: Saperavi
Wine Notes: In the qvevri method, fermentation and maturation occur in large, egg-shaped clay vessels called qvevri, which are buried underground. For the 2020 vintage, the grapes underwent maceration and fermentation in these vessels, allowing for extended contact with the skins, seeds, and stems. This process imparts complex flavors and a robust tannic structure to the wine. Following fermentation, the wine matures in the qvevri, integrating its flavors and developing depth. The aging period in qvevri allows the wine to achieve a balance between its fruit characteristics and structural components.
Taste: The 2020 vintage is a deep red with a brick-hued rim. The nose offers dark, sweet cherry, blueberry, and dried plum aromas, complemented by hints of black pepper, warm spices, and tobacco. The wine is full-bodied and well-developed on the palate, with noticeable acidity and abundant tannins.
Pairing: For a traditional Georgian option, try kharcho soup, a hearty, tomato-based beef and rice dish spiced with coriander, fenugreek, and garlic. The wine’s acidity complements the soup’s tangy flavors, while its earthy depth matches the warm spices. Try with some BBQ short ribs (galbi), marinated beef ribs grilled with a sweet and savory soy-based glaze. The wine’s tannins balance the meat's richness, while its fruity undertones contrast the caramelized flavors.
Grilled portobello mushrooms with a balsamic glaze offer a vegetarian option that pairs with the wine’s earthiness, while its acidity complements the tangy glaze. Or try with a smoky eggplant curry, made with roasted eggplant, tomatoes, garlic, and Indian spices, pairs with the wine’s bold structure and balances the richness of the curry with its acidity.
General pairing tips: To create a harmonious pairing, match the wine’s intensity with richly flavored foods such as grilled or roasted meats. The wine’s tannins are softened by dishes with a good amount of fat, like lamb or beef. At the same time, its vibrant acidity complements dishes with moderate acidity, such as tomato-based sauces or pickled vegetables. Earthy flavors found in ingredients like mushrooms, eggplant, or lentils resonate with the wine’s spicy and earthy undertones. Additionally, dishes seasoned with warm spices—such as black pepper, cloves, or cinnamon—or herbs like thyme, rosemary, or coriander enhance its complexity. It’s best to avoid delicate dishes like flaky white fish or light salads, which can be overwhelmed by the wine’s intensity. Ideal pairings include grilled lamb chops with rosemary and garlic, beef stews or braised short ribs, wild mushroom ragout, roasted eggplant with spices, tomato-based Georgian dishes like kharcho, or grilled and smoked meats such as pork or duck.
KHARCHO (GEORGIAN BEEF-WALNUT SOUP WITH FRESH HERBS)
By DJ Park
About. Mildiani Family Winery, established in 1991 by the four Mildiani brothers—Eldari, Levani, Leri, and Pridoni—fuses ancient Georgian winemaking traditions with modern techniques. The brothers began by acquiring and exporting locally produced wine to Russia, laying the foundation for their future endeavors.
The brothers recognized the growth potential and constructed a wine bottling facility in Mtskheta, Georgia. To distinguish their products, they established a ceramic workshop producing unique clay wine bottles, marking the first commercial use of such packaging in post-Soviet Georgia.
The Mildiani Family Winery established a state-of-the-art wine enterprise in Tsinandali, Kakheti—a region renowned for viticulture. Equipped with high-quality Italian machinery, the winery focused on producing premium wines and grape-based spirits, which have garnered numerous international accolades.
In 2004, their 2002 vintage Saperavi wine earned a silver medal at Paris's "Vinalies Internationales" wine competition. This accolade marked the first time a Georgian wine received such recognition since the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
Today, the Mildiani Group encompasses several enterprises, including "Tsinandali Old Marani" Ltd, "Gurjaani Wine Marani" Ltd, souvenir wine enterprise "Vazi-1" Ltd, and distribution company "Letre" Ltd. Each entity contributes to the group's diversified portfolio, which includes classic Georgian wines, traditional qvevri wines, brandy, chacha, and liqueur wines.
The winery's vineyards span approximately 100 hectares, primarily located in the fertile Tsinandali micro-zone of the Alazani River Valley. This area is celebrated for its optimal climate and soil conditions, which are ideal for cultivating indigenous grape varieties.
Mildiani Family Winery is committed to quality control at every production stage. By owning and managing their vineyards, they ensure that each bottle reflects their high standards. Their philosophy emphasizes a blend of time-honored Georgian winemaking methods with contemporary practices, aiming to produce wines that reflect tradition while appealing to modern palates.
The winery's dedication to excellence has been recognized through various international awards. Notably, their Khikhvi 2018 received a gold medal at the Texsom 2024 competition, and they secured four gold medals at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) in 2023.
Mildiani Family Winery's products are successfully exported to numerous countries, including Canada, China, Germany, Poland, Russia, and the United States. Their global presence reflects the universal appeal of their wines and the growing appreciation for Georgian winemaking heritage.