"Akhasheni" - wine from sunny Georgia

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Georgian wines are considered to be high-quality and tasty drinks. They annually win medals and receive high marks from experts at international competitions. Akhasheni is a wine made from the Saperavi grape variety. It has a pleasant sweet taste with light fruity notes. The drink began to be produced in Georgia back in the days of the USSR, since then this wine has not ceased to be in demand.

Brief description of the wine

"Akhasheni" refers to semi-sweet wines, the sugar content in it ranges from 3-5%, and the amount of alcohol is about 11-12 revolutions. This drink has a rich pomegranate color. The aroma of wine is dominated by notes of ripe cherries and blackberries, hints of blackcurrant and other fruit plants are captured. To better feel the bouquet of the drink, before the first sip, you need to shake it a little in a glass and inhale pleasant vapors.

The taste of the drink is harmonious and bright, it opens up gradually, with every sip. You can feel it best when chilled. A glass of wine gives sweetness and moderate astringency, which will be appreciatedappreciated by lovers of such drinks. After its use, a velvety aftertaste with a slight chocolate tinge remains.

Distinctive features of the Saperavi grape variety

For the preparation of Akhasheni wine, only Saperavi grapes are used, which grows in the Gurjaani region of Georgia. This plant has medium-sized branches, its berries give a clear sweet juice. This grape variety is characterized by the following features:

• high content of pigments (this provides a rich color for the future wine);
• harmonious taste;
• thin, but elastic skin of the fruit, thanks to which the special taste and smell of the pulp is preserved;
• large amount of juice in berries (80-82% of the total mass).

This grape is distinguished by the constancy of the harvest: with proper care, it regularly bears fruit, but the berries need to be picked in time so that they do not crumble. The plant of this variety is resistant to many parasites and pests, so the losses during its cultivation are usually insignificant. But these grapes are sensitive to the lack of watering and too high ambient temperatures.

History of occurrence

Despite the wide range of alcoholic products available to customers today, Georgian wines are especially popular. The price of these drinks is much lower than that of European counterparts, while the quality is very high. So, for example, "Khvanchkara" costs from 14 to 31 dollars, "Tvishi" - about 10 dollars, "Akhasheni" - about 12 dollars. A glass of wine made in Georgia can give an unforgettable extravaganza of taste even to sophisticated gourmets and connoisseurs.

The production of "Akhasheni" on an industrial scale at the winery began in 1958 in the village of the same name. This wine, according to regulatory documents, can only be produced in this geographical area. Nature seems to have specially created optimal climatic conditions for winemaking here: the air here is warm, but at the same time humid thanks to rivers, trees and mountains. Any attempt to reproduce the drink outside of Georgia and then sell it under this name is considered illegal. Therefore, when choosing Akhasheni wine, you need to carefully read the information on the label regarding the place of production and the year of harvest.

The legend of the origin of wine

In Georgia, probably, there is not a single national drink, the history of which would not be shrouded in legends and secrets. According to ancient legends, "Akhasheni" is a wine that appeared during the reign of King David IV. He decided to build a temple in honor of St. George, who was then considered the patron during conquests and campaigns. In a dream, the king saw the place where the monastery was to be built, which was the beginning of the work.

The people on whom this mission was entrusted, in order to increase vitality and feel cheerfulness, decided to drink some red wine before starting construction. Drops of this drink hit the ground, and the next day shoots began to grow there.grapes. The ruler of Georgia gave the order to cultivate this plant in this area, as he considered it a good sign. Since then, on the territory of the village of Akhasheni, Saperavi grapes have been grown on an industrial scale, which is used in the winemaking craft.

Undesirable wine pairings

Because Akhasheni belongs to the category of semi-sweet wines, it cannot be served with sour and spicy sauces based on mustard and vinegar. This combination does not allow you to fully feel the subtle notes of a noble drink and enjoy its taste. It is also undesirable to combine wine with such products:

• chocolate (because of cloying will not feel the bouquet of wine);
• canned seafood (high fat after eating can cause an unpleasant aftertaste);
• lemon, orange, grapefruit (acid and bitterness can distort the real taste of the drink);
• seasonings with a pronounced smell and taste that interrupt all the organoleptic indicators of wine (curry, chili, mint).

Any fragrant and tasty alcoholic drinks do not go well with smoking tobacco. It is better to refrain from this habit when using Akhasheni. Because of this, the wine may not open or even completely change its taste when reacting with tobacco smoke.

Which appetizers go well with Akhasheni wine?

Like most semi-sweet wines, this product goes well with desserts, cheeses, game and any poultry meat. The main requirement for the served snack- this is a mild taste, so that it does not interrupt the bouquet of the drink. "Akhasheni" - wine that is perfect for such dishes and products:

• baked vegetables and grilled meat;
• pates;
• khachapuri;
• Parmesan and soft cream cheese;
• eggplant snack rolls with nut filling;
• cakes and cakes (without chocolate);
• hot appetizers of lean fish and meat.

What could be a nicer addition to a delicious dinner in a relaxed atmosphere than classic Georgian wine in a clay bottle? It will decorate the festive table and emphasize the main dishes with its unsurpassed taste. "Akhasheni" is produced both in glass and earthenware, so each consumer will be able to find the best option in terms of design and cost.