NINE OAKS ESTATE
Eniseli, Kakheti
Rkatsiteli
Kindzmarauli subzone
Rkatsiteli
Rkatsiteli is arguably the most important grape in Georgia. Traditionally these white grapes don't make typical "white" wines. Here white grapes are fermented with the skins like red wine and have an amber color. The Rkatsiteli expresses savory citrus like persimmon and kumquat along with fleshier notes of pear and apricot and a slightly smoky flavor of incense, cedar, and earth. The woody notes come from the skins and tannin with a fine structure.
POINTS OF INTEREST
Georgia is the oldest known wine region in the world with artifacts dating back nearly 6,000 years. Seeds from the Rkatsiteli grape were found in clay vessels dating back to 3,000 BC. This grape has a strong fortitude just like the Georgian people, resistant to the natural elements. The Georgian wine revolution has begun! Nine Oaks is one of these exciting new wineries focused on natural winemaking with traditional styles, investing in the time and research to improve them.
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Khikhvi
Kindzmarauli subzone
Khikhvi
A very rare grape originating out of the far eastern corner of Georgia. This grape is naturally low yielding and gives concentrated flavors. The rich amber color brings with it a density and tannic structure that is captivating. Fruit flavors abound with mandarin orange, ripe peach, and dried apricot. Floral and herbal notes include, jasmine, spearmint, and Rooibos tea. The texture is full and expressive with a minerality that is reminiscent of potters clay and beeswax.
POINTS OF INTEREST
This white grape is treated like a red wine, fermented in Qvevri (large traditional clay pots) for one month with the skins. After fermentation, this natural wine is aged a year in tank to preserve the freshness and develop maturity. Because of lower yields, the Khikhvi grape fell out of fashion when Russia controlled the winemaking production, opting for quantity over quality.
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Kisi
Kindzmarauli subzone
Kisi
Kisi is another rare grape from the Kakheti region in Georgia. It buds late and ripens early so it enjoys a cooler climate. The rich amber color brings with it a rich floral character of herbal tea. The fruits are a little tropical with mango and exotic citrus. On the nose is a combination of orange flowers, lemon balm, and wild fresh herbs. The palate is grippy with tannin and the finish is bright and lingering.
POINTS OF INTEREST
Kisi was another grape that was overlooked and ignored by Russian occupation in the 20th century. Exciting new projects, like Nine Oaks, are preserving these wonderful gifts of nature and bringing them back from extinction. The Nine Oaks project was started in 2012 with just over 4 hectares of Kisi. Fermented in the traditional Qvevri for one month on the skins, this wine remains in tank for one year before bottling. Natural wine with native yeast and no additives.
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Saperavi
Kindzmarauli subzone
Saperavi
This is no ordinary red grape. There are thousands of red grapes but only a handful have red flesh like this one. The dark flesh of the grape expresses a deep purple hue, signifying body and power. Aromatics of black fruits like currant, blackberry, and plum balance with savory, peppery notes and dry earth. This Saperavi is a full bodied, dry wine that is dense and satisfying with relaxed tannins.
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"Teinturier" this is the fancy French term for red fleshed grapes like Saperavi. The species of grape used to make fine wines is called Vitis Vinifera, and there are estimated to be more than 10,000 varieties. there are only 12 known grapes with this red flesh. Pretty special right? This is a whole new red wine experience. A natural wine that is rich and powerful. It has a meaty presence, perfect for cooler nights and hearty comfort foods.
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Kisi Qvevri Reserve
Kindzmarauli subzone
Kisi
The evolution continues at the Nine Oaks Estate and we are excited to share with you this small production, reserve wine. There are not many wines made with 100% Kisi. This is a special example aged one year in the clay Qvevri. The minerality of the Kisi grape shines through with beeswax, lemon balm, and honeycomb. The fruit flavors are dense with fresh and dried fruits. The palate is grippy with a deep finish of exotic spice and dry honey.
POINTS OF INTEREST
Traditional Georgian wine is made in a very particular fashion. Many aspects of this style have become popular throughout the world. Aging wines in clay, amphora, called Qvevri in Georgian, is now happening here in the U.S. and in most other wine countries. Making skin-contact wines with white grapes is often times referred to as "amber wine" or "orange wine". It started here in Georgia. The Reserve is aged one year in Qvevri.
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Saperavi Qvevri Reserve
Kindzmarauli subzone
Saperavi
This wine expresses the rustic beauty of Kakheti, Georgia. Drink this inspiring wine while viewing images of Georgia's natural beauty online and you will be transported. This Reserve, aged in Qvevri, softens this powerful grape with time. The aromatics are dark and elegant with dried red and violet flowers. The fruits are lush with plum, currant, and dried raspberry. The minerality is textured with a finish of length and resonance.
POINTS OF INTEREST
The Saperavi grape is one of Georgia's most important natural products. A unique grape with dark flesh and captivating power. The Kakheti region is also the most important wine growing region in Georgia. The Qvevri Reserve represents the best of the best with one 4000 Liter Qvevri chosen after fermentation to remain in Qvevri for 1 full year. This wine captures the true spirit of terroir and the ancient history of winemaking.
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