Old Carafe Kakheti Wines Saperavi

Old Carafe Kakheti Wines Saperavi is a dry red Georgian wine made from 100% Saperavi grapes, produced in the Kakheti region and bottled at 750ml. As an expression of one of the Caucasus's most ancient indigenous varietals, this wine showcases Saperavi's hallmark intensity — deep color, robust tannins, and natural acidity — at an accessible, everyday price point.

Quick Facts: ABV: 10.5–12.5% (typical for Saperavi)  |  Origin: Kakheti, Georgia  |  Varietal: 100% Saperavi  |  Style: Red Dry Wine

Production & Heritage

Kakheti is Georgia's dominant winemaking region, home to the majority of the country's vineyards and the historical heartland of Saperavi cultivation. Saperavi itself is a teinturier grape — meaning the red anthocyanin pigment is present in both the skin and the pulp, producing wines of exceptionally deep, nearly opaque color. Old Carafe sources Saperavi grapes from this eastern Georgian appellation, vinifying them into a dry red style that reflects the grape's naturally high tannin and acid structure without residual sugar.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Expect dark fruit at the forefront — ripe blackberry and black cherry — followed by subtle earthy undertones characteristic of Kakheti-grown Saperavi. A faint herbaceous note may emerge as the wine opens in the glass.

Taste: The entry is fruit-forward, with concentrated plum and dark berry flavors. Mid-palate, firm tannins assert themselves alongside a thread of bright, mouth-watering acidity that keeps the wine structured and lively. The overall impression is dry, full-bodied, and assertive.

Finish: Moderate in length, with lingering tannin grip and a tart berry echo. The acidity carries through cleanly, leaving a dry, slightly mineral close.

How to Drink Old Carafe Saperavi

Serve at 60–65°F (15–18°C). This Saperavi benefits from 15–20 minutes of breathing time, either in the glass or a small decanter, which softens the tannins and opens aromatic complexity. Pair it with grilled red meats, where the wine's acidity and tannin can cut through fat and char. For a classic Georgian pairing, serve alongside khachapuri or cheese-stuffed breads — the salt and richness of the cheese complement Saperavi's dark fruit and structure. It also holds up well in a red wine sangria, where its intense color and bold fruit amplify the punch, or in a simple Kalimotxo (red wine and cola), where the tannin and acidity balance the sweetness.

Best For

• Exploring Georgian wine for the first time without a significant investment
• Weeknight dinners featuring grilled lamb, beef stew, or hearty pasta
• Building an entry-level collection of indigenous grape wines from the Caucasus
• Hosting a casual tasting focused on teinturier or rare grape varieties

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Old Carafe Saperavi taste like? It delivers concentrated dark berry and plum flavors supported by firm tannins and bright acidity, finishing dry with moderate length. The overall profile is bold and fruit-driven, typical of Kakheti-grown Saperavi.

How does Old Carafe Saperavi compare to Tbilvino Saperavi? Both are dry red wines made from 100% Saperavi grapes grown in the Kakheti region of Georgia, positioned at a similar value tier. Tbilvino, established in 1962, is one of Georgia's larger and more widely exported producers, while Old Carafe targets a comparable everyday drinking category.

Is Old Carafe Saperavi good for beginners? Yes — its straightforward dark fruit character and dry style make it an approachable introduction to Georgian wine, though newcomers to bold reds should note the firm tannin structure. Allowing the wine to breathe before drinking helps soften the grip.

Where is Old Carafe Saperavi made? It is produced in the Kakheti region of eastern Georgia, the country's largest and most important wine-producing area. Kakheti accounts for the majority of Georgia's total vineyard area and has been cultivating Saperavi for centuries.

What foods pair well with Old Carafe Saperavi? Grilled lamb chops work exceptionally well, as the wine's tannins and acidity match the richness of the meat. Georgian cheese bread (khachapuri) highlights the dark fruit through salt and fat contrast. Beef stew or braised short ribs echo the wine's weight and depth. Aged hard cheeses like Manchego or Georgian Guda cheese complement its earthy tannin. Roasted eggplant with walnut paste (badrijani) provides a classic regional pairing.

What sizes does Old Carafe Saperavi come in? The standard available format is a 750ml bottle.

Is Old Carafe Saperavi worth the price? Old Carafe Saperavi positions as a budget-friendly, entry-level Georgian red, making it a reasonable value for those looking to experience authentic Saperavi without committing to a premium bottling. It delivers the grape's signature intensity at a price appropriate for everyday drinking.

Why Old Carafe Saperavi?

The defining strength here is the grape itself. Saperavi is one of the few teinturier varieties in commercial production — its red-fleshed pulp produces wines of extraordinary color depth and tannic backbone that few other grapes can replicate at this price tier. Georgia's Kakheti region has cultivated Saperavi for millennia, and this bottle offers direct access to that lineage. For drinkers curious about wines beyond the familiar French, Italian, and New World categories, Old Carafe Saperavi provides an honest, unembellished expression of a grape and a region that remain underexplored in the broader market.