Solomnishvili Winery

Georgia is the cradle of wine, arguably the greatest viticultural region of the world, and following our Buying Trip to Georgia last year, we are delighted to bring you these superlative wines from one of Georgia’s finest winemakers – Giorgi Solomnishvili. His winery is situated in Telavi in the Khaketi wine region, where he produces outstanding small batch wines. His production is small, between 20000-25000 bottles per year. His wines are produced from the Saperavi grape, one of the most versatile of noble varietals that can grow in both hot and cool conditions, with the ability to produce a huge array of different styles – a teinturier varietal that can be described as the ‘Malbec of the Caucasus’. A deep thinking family man, philosophy runs not only through Giorgi’s veins but also his wines, each one a dedication to someone or something close to his heart. He understands his land, it’s terroir and the Saperavi like no other, and the results are truly astonishing. He teases and caresses the most astonishing flavours that dance along your tongue in perfect harmony. Drinking his wines creates thought, contemplation and satisfaction. “Wine is the way I choose to communicate with the world, it's the way I express my unconditional love. It's a silent prayer, an unwritten word. It's an unspoken communication” – Giorgi Solomnishvili

Produced from 30 year old vines at an altitude of 500m. the bouquet reveals concentrated forest berries, a touch of vanilla and spice. The palate is soft, elegant and silky, with creamy fruit flavours filing the palate. The concentrated berry fruits are integrated with sweet spice, leather and tobacco and the finish is beautifully long and fresh.

Saperavi is a perfect accompaniment to grilled lamb or lamb stew Italian or Georgian style. Giorgi Solomnishvili’s wines also pair exceptionally well with grilled steak with green pepper sauce and a wide variety of cheese.

Giorgi matures this wine in qvevri for 6 months, and then transfers into oak barrels (15% new) for a further 18 months.

The Wine Merchant Magazine, Tried and Tested, June 2023: "Giorgi Solomnishvili is one of Georgia's most admired winemakers, achieving great things with Saperavi, aka "the Mabec of the Caucasus". Matured in qvevri and then oak barrels, this example has refined forest fruit and sweet spice, but also some loveable rustic edges. Solomnishvili's advice? "Drink - life is short."