Pheasant´s Tears Saperavi 2023

Pheasant's Tears is a benchmark Georgian natural winery in Kakheti, founded by viticulturist Gela Patalishvili and painter John Wurdeman. This is a varietal Saperavi, a thick-skinned, dark-fleshed grape that produces some of the deepest, most structured red wines anywhere. The wine follows Georgia's ancient method, fermenting and ageing twelve months in clay qvevri buried in the ground, with no additions. Extended contact with skins, pips and stems in the qvevri draws out colour, tannin and savoury phenolic complexity, while the buried clay holds a steady cool temperature through fermentation. The result is a wine of real density and grip rather than polish. The colour is inky, almost black at the core. The nose shows ripe blackberry and blackcurrant alongside black pepper, dried herbs and an earthy, leathery savouriness. The palate is full and firmly tannic, with dark fruit, liquorice and a stony, mineral finish that reflects the maceration. Serve at 17 degrees, with a decant to settle the structure. It pairs with grilled and roasted red meats, hearty stews and aged cheese.