Monday, December 5, 2011

Château Mukhrani Wines



News: The wines of Château Mukhrani, Georgia (Eastern Europe), are now available in the DC Metro Area and MD. For a complete list of the retailers and restaurants carrying these great and unique wines, you can contact Virginie, Mukhrani's Brand Ambassador in the United States at v.ajot@mukhrani.com.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Château Mukhrani, Khvanchkara Naturally Semi-Sweet Red Wine (AOC) 2008, Kartli, Georgia (Rep. of)

Naturally Semi Sweet red wine from the Racha region in Georgia. Khvanchkara is one of the 18 AOC existing in Georgia.



Technical Data: Alexandrouli grape variety is used. 11% vol.

Description: Bright ruby red color with brick hues. Bountiful of ripe cherry on the nose with a touch of strawberry. On the palate, medium bodied wine. Intense & exuberant wild strawberry flavors mingled with sweet cherry and a soft black pepper hint. Well integrated tannins for a velvety long lasting finish.

Food Pairing & Service: Although it is a naturally semi-sweet red wine, it is very versatile and will accompany a wide range of food, from fresh fruits and salad to poultry and grilled red meat. Enjoy at 11-12 degree.

Score: 8/10.

Ageing Potential: Enjoy now or in the next 2 years.

Price as seen on DC shelf: Soon available in MD and DC wine stores and Restaurants.

Château Mukhrani, Muscat Fortified Dessert Wine NV, Kartli, Georgia (Rep. of)

Sweet Dessert Wine, although I have tasted it with real food also and I must say, to say it is a dessert wine only will not do it justice! This is the kind of Muscat that when you have tasted it once you want to find any excuse to drink it again...It is that good. And if it wasn’t enough, on top of that is its packaging, the bottle is completely gorgeous with a luxous perfume bottle feel.



Technical Data: 100% White Muscat fortified with Château Mukhrani Chacha Spirit. 18% vol.

Description: Bright honey gold color. Exuberant nose expressing dried fruits and floral aromas. Rich and luscious palate for a full bodied sweet wine. Honey and dried apricot are mingled with figs, and spicy flavors backed up by soft oak notes. Extremely well balanced for a wine of such intensity. Long lasting unforgettable finish.

Food Pairing & Service: Although it is a sweet wine, Château Mukhrani Muscat is very versatile, consume by itself as an aperitif, with spicy Asian dishes, or fruity salads. It is exquisite with dark chocolate and figs. It will also accompany extremely well Foie Gras. Drink preferably chilled (Best at 12-14 degree Celsius), but can also be served at room temperature to suit individual taste.

Score: 9.5/10.

Ageing Potential: Enjoy anytime

Price as seen on DC shelf: Not available at the moment.

Château Mukhrani, Saperavi/Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Kartli, Georgia (Rep. of)

Dry and full body red wine from the Kartli region (surrounding Tbilisi the capital) in Georgia. Saperavi is a world-class grape variety endemic to Georgia.



Technical Data: 60% Saperavi and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. Hand harvested. Aged a minimum of 7 months and up to 10 months prior bottling depending of the vintage. French / American / Caucasian Oak barrels are used. 12.5% vol.

Description: Inky color. Its nose exudes ripe dark cherries and oak with a nice enticing touch of spice. Dry and round this wine is full bodied. On the palate, ripe cherries flavors dominates. Velvety smooth tannins and a touch of oak for a long lasting finish.

Food Pairing & Service: Very versatile wine which goes well with a wide assortments of foods from roasted red meats and strong cheeses to rich & creamy dishes.

Score: 7/10.

Ageing Potential: Can be enjoyed now or cellared for a few more years.

Price as seen on DC shelf: Soon available in MD and DC wine stores and Restaurants.

Château Mukhrani, Saperavi 2007, Kartli, Georgia (Rep.of)

Dry and bold full body red wine from the Kartli region (surrounding Tbilisi the capital) in Georgia. Saperavi is a world-class grape variety endemic to Georgia. This wine has received two awards already. The Vinalies Internationales 2009, Paris, France and it has been Commended at the World Wines Award 2010 by the Decanter, UK.



Technical Data: 100% Saperavi variety. Hand harvested. Aged a minimum of 7 months and up to 10 months prior bottling depending of the vintage. French / American / Caucasian Oak barrels are used. 12.5% vol.

Description: Bright dark ruby color with crimson hues. Ripe plum and morello cherries aromas at first followed by oaky, smoky aromas and spice. On the palate, the wine is full bodied and dry yet somehow soft. It expresses opulent plum flavors laced with cherry and spice. Very well balanced wine showing off smooth, velvety tannins backed up by liquorice on the long lasting finish.

Food Pairing & Service: Very versatile wine which will go well with a wide assortments of foods from juicy red meats and strong cheeses to rich & creamy dishes. Need to breath at least 20 min before consumption.

Score: 9/10.

Ageing Potential: Can be enjoyed now or cellared for a few more years. Saperavi grape has a huge ageing potential.

Price as seen on DC shelf: Soon available in MD and DC wine stores and Restaurants.

Château Mukhrani, Tavkveri Rosé 2010, Kartli, Georgia (Rep. of)

Dry medium bodied rosé wine from the Kartli region (surrounding Tbilisi the capital) in Georgia. Tavkveri grape variety is endemic to Kartli and is only growing in this region of Georgia.



Technical Data: 100% Tavkveri variety. Tavkveri grape is a red variety which can be used to produce both red and rosé wines. Hand harvested. No skin maceration. Aged a minimum of 4 months and up to 7 months prior bottling depending of the vintage. 12.5% vol. No oak.

Description: Bright light coral color. Its nose exhales of cherry and fresh strawberry aromas. On the palate, medium bodied crisp wine with a good structure and balance thru and thru. First flavors coming to the mind are a repeat of its nose then it evolves, and raspberry flavors opens up, as well as a distinctive and quite enjoyable black pepper taste. Great last impression with a rose petal long lasting finish.

Food Pairing & Service: Best paired with pork chops, Asian cuisine or zesty salads. Could also be consumed by itself. Serve fresh (around 8 C).

Score: 9/10.

Ageing Potential: Made to be drunk in its youth. Drink now and for 2 more year.

Price as seen on DC shelf: Soon available in MD and DC wine stores and Restaurants.

Château Mukhrani, Shavkapito 2009, Kartli, Georgia (Rep.of)

Dry medium bodied red wine from the Kartli region (surrounding Tbilisi the capital) in Georgia. Shavkapito grape variety is endemic to Kartli and is only growing in this region in Georgia.



Technical Data: 100% Shavkapito. Hand harvested. Aged a minimum of 7 months and up to 10 months prior bottling depending of the vintage. 12% vol. No oak.

Description: Bright ruby red color with brick hues. Very rich & expressive nose showing off blackberry aromas as well as spices and leather. The wine is medium bodied and well balanced with well integrated ripe tannins and a long lasting finish. On the palate, lots of jammy plums and fresh mixed berries. Enticing black pepper and cedary notes, as well as a bountiful of leathery flavors and a pinch of chocolate complete its description. 12% vol.

Food Pairing & Service: Will best accompany white meats and tomato based dishes.

Score: 7/10.

Ageing Potential: Made to be drunk in its youth. Drink now and for 2 more year.

Price as seen on DC shelf: Soon available in MD and DC wine stores and Restaurants.

Château Mukhrani, Goruli Mtsvane 2009, Kartli, Georgia (Rep.of)

Dry white wine from the Kartli region (surrounding Tbilisi the capital) in Georgia. Mtsvane grape is a world-class grape variety endemic to Georgia. There are 4 different Mtsvane variety in Georgia, each coming from a different region and with their own characteristic. This amazing wine has been awarded a Bronze Medal at the Hong Kong Wine and Spirit International Competition in late October 2011.



Technical Data: 85% Goruli Mtsvane, which is endemic to the region of Kartli and 15% Chinuri (a white grape with red freckles) which is another Georgian endemic variety. Hand harvested. On the lies. Aged a minimum of 4 months and up to 7 months prior bottling depending of the vintage. 12% vol.

Description: Bright light gold with greenish hues. Its nose shows, at first, fresh white plum enticed with citrussy aromas and stone fruits, then follows peppery notes and flowery aromas. The palate expresses a generous plummy taste backed up by peach and honeysuckle with a pinch of black pepper. The wine is crisp and full body but somehow still manage to be round with a nice intensity & acidity for a good lengthy finish.

Food Pairing & Service: I personally enjoy this wine with fish, shellfish or a big salad. It also pairs quite well with a salad with pear and walnut. Could be enjoyed by itself as an aperitif as well. Best enjoyed chilled.

Score: 9/10.

Ageing Potential: Made to be drunk in its youth. Drink now and for 2 more year.

Price as seen on DC shelf: Soon available in MD and DC wine stores and Restaurants.

Château Mukhrani, Rkatsiteli, Kartli region 2009, Georgia (Rep. of )

Dry white wine from the Kartli Region (surrounding Tbilisi the capital) in Georgia. Rkatsiteli variety is a world-class grape variety endemic to Georgia.



Technical Data: 100% Rkatsiteli. Hand harvested. On the lies. Aged a minimum of 4 months and up to 7 months prior bottling depending of the vintage. 12% vol.

Description: Bright light gold color. Its nose expresses at first pear and gooseberry/mulberry aromas followed by light tropical fruits. The palate is echoing its nose with a lot of pear flavors mingled with fresh citrus and light tropical fruits. The wine is crisp and medium bodied, well balanced with a nice acidity and a medium length finish.

Food Pairing & Service: To be paired with light fares as well as roasted chicken, salad and Fiscalini cheese. Could also be consumed by itself.

Score: 8/10.

Ageing Potential: Made to be drunk in its youth. Drink now and for 2 more year.

Price as seen on DC shelf: Soon available in MD and DC wine stores and Restaurants.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Château Mukhrani, Rkatsiteli, Kartli region 2007, Georgia (Rep. of )

Dry white wine from the Kartli Region (surrounding Tbilisi the capital) in Georgia.



Technical Data: 100% Rkatsiteli grapes.12% vol.

Description: Bright light gold color. Its nose express at first pear and gooseberry/mulberry aromas followed by light tropical fruits. The palate is echoing its nose with a lot of pear flavors mingled with fresh citrus and light tropical fruits. The wine is crisp and medium bodied, well balanced with a nice acidity and a medium length finish.

Food Pairing & Service: To be paired with light fares as well as roasted chicken, salad and Fiscalini cheese. Could also be consumed by itself.

Score: /10.

Ageing Potential: Made to be drunk in its youth. Drink now and for 1 more year.

Price as seen on DC shelf:

Friday, July 22, 2011

Back to business

After a long 9 months of absence (due to a difficult pregnancy) I am glad to report that I will be back in business and ready to taste again beginning in September!

Also, I am pleased to announced the launch of my very own company, Destination Wine LLC. I will be offering Wine Services in DC, VA and MD. A sister Website to my wineblog will turn up soon, keep an eye here as I will advertise it!