Demain c ́est loin, Shavkapito 2024

Made from Shavkapito, a rare indigenous red variety from the Kartli region of Georgia, this winery is one of the most compelling cross-cultural natural wine projects running tin Georgia today..

Who are Ori Marani, and what is Shavkapito?
Ori Marani — ‘Two Cellars’ in Georgian — is the project of Bastien Warskotte, who brought Champenois winemaking experience from France, and Nino Gvantseladze, who brought deep knowledge of Georgian grape varieties and Kartli terroir. They’re based in Igoeti and their mission is to make Georgian wines that feel both authentically rooted and genuinely accessible to an international audience.

Shavkapito is a Kartlian red variety that went almost entirely out of fashion during the Soviet era. These vines are five years old — young, but the variety’s character comes through clearly. Half the harvest is left as whole clusters; half is destemmed. Two weeks of maceration, then nine months in old barrels. Inspired, explicitly, by Burgundy.

Think pale ruby, almost translucent. Light, lifted, and mineral, with a gentle herbal and earthy quality that feels distinctly Georgian. Tart red cherry, pomegranate, dried herbs, a whisper of tobacco, and a finish that is long and clean. The whole-cluster component gives it a lovely freshness that stops it feeling like anything other than what it is: a Burgundian-minded red made from a variety Burgundy has never heard of.

Serve slightly cool. Brilliant with grilled poultry, light lamb dishes, or a generous mezze spread.