2019 Organic Qvevri Aladasturi, Lagvinari, Kakheti, Georgia

Lagvinari’s winemaker – Dr. Eko Glonti – is without doubt one of Georgia’s most venerated winemakers. An ex-cardio anaesthesiologist, with a lifelong fascination of geology, and a clear commitment to organic viticulture. He tests soils regularly and maintains chemical-free vineyards to ensure the superior quality of his grapes. Consequently, his Natural wines are among some of the country’s purest. They also have a strong sense of place, as they display characteristics typically associated with Qvevri wines from the winemaking region of Imereti in Western Georgia – wines here tend to be fruit-forward and less tannic.

Lagvinari’s Aladasturi is unmistakably Georgian in character. It also triumphs in being accessible and technically faultless. Its pale ruby colour, medium body, and red fruit notes are reminiscent of an Old-World Pinot Noir. Simply put – an esoteric Natural wine that should be savoured.