2020 Chinuri-Rkatsiteli (3 Terraces - Orange Wine), Papari Valley, Kakheti, Georgia

Certified organic. Papari Valley’s unique terraced Qvevri system enables vinification using gravity flow. The 1st terrace is for fermentation, the 2nd for ageing, and the 3rd is reserved for premium wines which undergo further ageing.

Papari Valley sits in the rolling hillsides of Kakheti – Georgia’s most well-known appellation. Its name, translates to horse’s mane in Georgian, a reference to the valley’s wavy appearance. Papari Valley has followed organic farming practices since 2014 (under Caucascert) and ferments its wines using naturally occurring yeasts. No synthetic herbicides, pesticides or systemic treatments are used in the vineyards.

Papari Valley’s unique terraced Qvevri system enables vinification using gravity flow – this demonstrates the winemaker’s dedication to natural winemaking with minimal intervention. The first terrace is for fermentation, the second is for ageing and the basement (the third terrace) is reserved for premium wines which undergo further ageing.

Chinuri is derived from the Georgian word “chinebuli” meaning “excellent” or “the best”. This refers to the grape’s superb appearance, colour, and flavour. It blushes a red-yellow-green as it ripens. And, when vinified in Qvevri, it displays flavours of dried pears and apricots.

This 3 Terraces Qvevri Chinuri is bottled unfiltered. It is pure, fruit-forward, and well-rounded. One of the softer and fruitier natural Qvevri wines to come out of Georgia. Very drinkable!