"Akhasheni" - wine from sunny Georgia

Georgian wines are considered to be qualitative and tasty drinks. They annually win medals and get high marks of experts at international competitions. "Akhasheni" - wine, which is produced from the grape variety of Saperavi. It has a pleasant sweetish taste with light fruit notes. Drinks started to be produced in Georgia even in the times of the USSR, since this wine has not ceased to be in demand.

Short description of wine

"Akhasheni" refers to semisweet wines, the sugar content in it varies within 3-5%, and the amount of alcohol is about 11-12 turns. This drink has a rich pomegranate color. In the aroma of wine, the notes of mature cherry and blackberry predominate, and the tones of black currant and other fruit and berry plants are captured. To better feel the bouquet of a drink, before the first gulp it needs to be shaken a little in a glass and to breathe in pleasant pairs.

The taste of the drink is harmonious and bright, it opens gradually, with each sip. Maximally it can be experienced in a cooled form. A glass of wine gives sweetness and mild tartness, which will be appreciated by lovers of such drinks. After its use, there is a velvet aftertaste with a slight chocolate tint.

Distinctive features of the grape variety Saperavi

To make "Akhasheni" wine only Saperavi grapes are used, which grows in the Gurjaan region of Georgia. This plant has branches of medium size, its berries give a transparent sweet juice. For this type of grapes are characterized by the following features:

• High pigment content (this ensures a rich color of the future wine);
• Harmonious taste;
• Thin, but elastic skin of fruits, thanks to which a special taste and smell of pulp remain;
• A large amount of juice in berries (80-82% of the total mass).

This grape is characterized by a constant crop: with proper care, it regularly fructifies, but the berries need to be harvested on time so that they do not crumble. The plant of this variety is resistant to many parasites and pests, therefore losses during its cultivation are usually insignificant. But this grapes is sensitive to the lack of watering and too high ambient temperatures.

History of occurrence

Despite the wide range of alcoholic beverages available to consumers today, Georgian wines are particularly popular. The price of these drinks is much lower than that of European analogues, and the quality is very high. For example, "Khvanchkara" costs from $ 14 to $ 31, "Twishi" - about $ 10, "Akhasheni" - about $ 12. A glass of wine cooked in Georgia can give an unforgettable extravaganza of taste to even sophisticated gourmets and connoisseurs.

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

The legend of the origin of wine

In Georgia, probably, there is no one national drink, the history of creation 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 church in honor of St. George, who was then considered a patron during conquests and campaigns. In a dream, the king saw the place where the monastery should be erected, which was the beginning of the work.

The people on whom this mission was entrusted decided to drink some red wine to improve their vitality and sense of cheerfulness, before starting the construction. Drops of this drink hit the ground, and the next day there began to grow grapes shoots. The governor of Georgia gave the order to cultivate this plant on this locality, because he considered it a good sign. Since then, the Saperavi grapes are grown on the industrial scale in the village of Akhasheni, which is used in the wine-making industry.

Unwanted combinations when serving wine

Since "Akhasheni" belongs to the category of semisweet wines, it should not be served with sour and sharp sauces based on mustard and vinegar. This combination does not allow you to fully experience the delicate notes of a noble drink and enjoy its taste. It is also undesirable to combine wine with such products:

• Chocolate (because of the sugary one will not feel a bouquet of wine);
• Canned seafood (high fat content after a meal 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, which interrupt all organoleptic indicators of wine (curry, chili, mint).

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

What snacks harmoniously approach the wine "Akhasheni"?

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

• Baked vegetables and grilled meats;
• Pates;
• Khachapuri;
• Parmesan and soft cream cheese;
• Eggplant rolls with aubergine stuffing;
• Cakes and cakes (without chocolate);
• Hot appetizers from fish and meat of low-fat varieties.

What can be a more pleasant addition to a delicious dinner in a relaxed atmosphere than the classical Georgian wine in a clay bottle? It will be a decoration of the festive table and will emphasize the main dishes with its unrivaled taste. "Akhasheni" is produced in glass and pottery, so each consumer will be able to find the best option for design and cost.