Wines Kvareli Château Mukhrani - Shavkapito - 2016

Viniou Reviews

The Château Mukhrani Cuvée Shavkapito 2016 from the Kvareli appellation in Kakheti, Georgia, offers a fascinating expression of an ancient wine culture, crafted from the native Shavkapito grape. This red wine, made in a dry style, presents a deep garnet hue and intricate aromatic profile: notes of ripe cherry, wild blackberry, plum compote and dried herbs mingle with subtle hints of spice and earth. 2016 was a favourable year in Kakheti, encouraging healthy maturation of the grapes and a balanced freshness. While the château is celebrated for its blend of tradition and modern winemaking, this cuvée elegantly reflects careful vinification designed to showcase the unique personality of Shavkapito — a grape prized for its vibrant acidity and fine-grained tannins.

Kakheti is Georgia’s foremost wine region, benefiting from a continental climate marked by hot summers and mild winters, with ample sunlight aiding grape ripening and cool nights preserving the grapes’ natural acidity. The soils in Kvareli, nestled at the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains, are composed mainly of clay and gravel, imparting mineral complexity to the wines. Georgia is widely regarded as the “cradle of wine”, with viticulture traditions extending over 8,000 years—evident in the widespread use of qvevri (large clay amphorae) in some local vinifications, although Château Mukhrani often integrates both modern and traditional methods to ensure finesse and depth.

Ideal food pairings for this Shavkapito include robust dishes such as lamb casserole with herbs, aubergine with walnuts (badrijani nigvzit), or grilled pork skewers seasoned with Georgian spices. The wine’s vibrancy and gentle spiciness also make it superb with mature cheeses or earthy mushroom risotto.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine slightly below room temperature, between 16 and 18°C. Decanting for thirty minutes will help the wine open up, revealing its full aromatic spectrum and silky texture. This is a wine with good evolution potential, but already delightful to savour now.