Grapes
Otskhanuri Sapere
3 min
Overview
Otskhanuri Sapere (ოცხანური საფერე) is one of Georgia's oldest and most characterful red grapes, indigenous to Imereti in western Georgia. The name means “Sapere from Otskhanari,” a reference to the village of Otskhana where the variety originated. Historically used in family vineyards for deep, age-worthy reds, Otskhanuri Sapere nearly disappeared during the Soviet standardization of wine production. In recent decades, it has re-emerged as one of Georgia's most respected and terroir-driven red grapes - often described as the “Saperavi of the West.”
The grape produces structured, dark, and complex wines, often with firm tannins and pronounced acidity - qualities that give it both power and longevity.
Characteristics
Otskhanuri Sapere ripens late, typically in mid-October, and requires warm, well-drained hillside sites to achieve full maturity. The clusters are small and compact, with thick-skinned, deeply colored berries. The variety is moderately vigorous, best trained with low yields to manage its natural tannic intensity.
It shows high phenolic potential, meaning that even short macerations yield dark, deeply structured wines. The grape's acidity remains firm, which, combined with its color and body, makes Otskhanuri Sapere one of Georgia's most age-worthy reds.
Wine styles
Otskhanuri Sapere's bold structure has earned it comparisons to Nebbiolo or Syrah, yet its flavor remains uniquely Georgian:
- Dry reds - the benchmark style: full-bodied, tannic, dark-fruited, and long-lived
- Qvevri wines - earthy, powerful, with minerality and herbal complexity
- Blends - occasionally softened with Dzelshavi or Krakhuna for balance
- Rosé wines - rare but intriguing, offering depth and savory spice
Taste profile
Otskhanuri Sapere produces some of western Georgia's most powerful and age-worthy reds - deeply colored, intense, and full of character:
- Aromas: black cherry, blackberry, forest fruit, tobacco, dried herbs, and clove
- Palate: full-bodied, firm tannins, high acidity, and a long, slightly savory finish
- Qvevri styles: add notes of leather, earth, tea leaf, and iron-rich minerality
Regions
Regions featuring Otskhanuri Sapere: Imereti, Racha-Lechkhumi.
PDO
Sviri PDO allows Otskhanuri Sapere in limited proportions, though varietal examples are more common outside PDO rules.
Food pairing
The wine's intensity and structure call for hearty, flavorful dishes:
- Grilled or roasted beef, lamb, or venison
- Pork ribs, barbecue, and spicy stews
- Mushrooms, lentils, and earthy vegetarian cuisine
- Hard cheeses such as aged sulguni or parmesan
Winemaking notes
Fermentation typically lasts 10-14 days, followed by long maceration to integrate tannins. Qvevri aging enhances texture and adds savory complexity, while oak maturation rounds edges without masking fruit. Because of its structure, the grape benefits from aging - high-quality examples evolve beautifully over 5-10 years, gaining harmony and polish.
Natural winemakers often produce unfiltered versions that showcase its raw, mineral-driven character.
Key producers
Leading examples come from Baia's Wine, Khvedelidze, Dugladze Wines, Lagvinari, Vartsikhe Marani, and numerous Imeretian family cellars producing small-batch qvevri wines.
Summary
Otskhanuri Sapere (ოცხანური საფერე) is the dark heart of western Georgian red wine - structured, powerful, and built to age. Combining the ruggedness of Imereti's terroir with Georgia's oldest winemaking traditions, it stands as a bridge between the ancient and the modern: a grape of strength, honesty, and enduring character.
