Mildiani Family Winery, Private Selection Otskhanuri Sapere Qvevri, Kakheti, Georgia 2018

A characterful red made using the indigenous Otskhanuri Sapere grape from a single vineyard in the Imereti region, Western Georgia. During fermentation, the wine spent 20 days on skins in qvevri, before a further 2 months of ageing without skin. Sour black and red cherry and a hint of smoky prune on the nose, ripe and juicy on the palate, with dried fruit sweetness, plum, blackcurrant and dark cherry juice. The tannins are robust, but structured and ripe, leading to dried tea and a touch of spices on the warm finish. Perfect for roast lamb.