Shabo Saperavi Reserve 2023 (Odessa, Ukraine)

Winemaking in Ukraine goes as far back as the Phoenician era, when vineyards were planted in the fertile soils between the Dniester estuary and the Black Sea. The first iteration of the Shabo Winery was founded by Swiss immigrants in 1822, who ran it successfully until the government nationalized it in 1920. The winery struggled under Soviet rule, but in 2003 it was privatized once again and purchased by the Iukuridze family, who have been diligently working to revitalize the Ukrainian wine industry ever since. 

Winemaking in Ukraine goes as far back as the Phoenician era, when vineyards were planted in the fertile soils between the Dniester estuary and the Black Sea. The first iteration of the Shabo Winery was founded by Swiss immigrants in 1822, who ran it successfully until the government nationalized it in 1920. The winery struggled under Soviet rule, but in 2003 it was privatized once again and purchased by the Iukuridze family, who have been diligently working to revitalize the Ukrainian wine industry ever since.

This Saperavi is fruit-forward yet elegant, with jammy notes of dark fruit that are beautifully complemented by a vibrant acidity. Notes of black pepper, dried herbs, and earthy tobacco leaf complete the palate and provide great structure and wonderful complexity.

Food Ideas: Venison goulash, eggplant parmesan, stuffed cabbage rolls, grilled patty melts, lamb vindaloo, jerk chicken meatballs