2019 Archil Guniava Tsitska-Tsolikouri-Krakhuna Imereti Georgia (Natural Wine)

Staff Reviews

KM

Keith Mabry

Keith Mabry

K&L Buyer

I have been a fan of Archil Guniava's wines since they were introduced in the US market a few years ago. His distinct hands off method produces some of the most compelling and intriguing wines in the Georgian category. This has incredible purity and crystalline focus. This is a no-skin contact version of his classic Imereti blend that has beautiful Meyer lemon, peach and white flower notes with a mineral driven finish. It is designed to cut through some of the richer dishes it would traditionally be served with like grilled river fish or khachapuri (a Georgian cheese bread that is like the best cheese stuffed-crust pizza you've ever had). Grilled chicken and pork skewers would be great if you want to keep it simpler or even some smoked sturgeon with labne and bagels would be amazing!

WB

Will Blakely

Will Blakely

Archil Guniava's wines have long been a staple of our natural wine selections, and this latest release is one of my favorites to date. Truly impeccable winemaking sets it apart from what some wine aficionados dread when they hear the word "natural." This blend is full-flavored but balanced, offering abundant peach, nectarine, and apricot atop a framework of crunchy minerals and elegant acidity. Hints of apple skins, orchard flowers and tarragon fill out the profile, lending a sophistication and complexity to the palate that make this difficult to put down. As we approach warmer weather and (hopefully) gatherings with family and friends, this should be on everyone's short list. It satisfies a wide variety of palates, and at the end of the day, the only question that matters is, "does it taste good?" And this wine tastes REALLY good.

Notes

Archil Guniava comes from a long line of winemakers in the Imereti region of Georgia. With only 1.5 hectares of vineyards and averaging about 1100 bottles of production annually, Guniava has become one of the cult producers of the region. His two daughters Nino and Mariam have also begun making wine. Archil makes both skin and non-skin contact wines with each cuvee varying from year-to-year depending on the style and character the grapes express. One of his more iconic wines, this traditional Imereti blend is made from idigenous Georgian grapes: 60% Tsitska, 20% Tsolikouri, and 20% Krakhuna. This sees no skin this year but spends 4 months aging in Qvevri (underground clay amphora) on the gross lees. It is then moved to another qvevri where a little SO2 is added. It was bottled in June of 2020. It is crackling with acidity and an intensity of fruit that is unique to Georgia's wines. Perfect for the oily fishes of the Black Sea and grilled pork dishes. Guniava is a member of Georgia's Natural Wine Association. Indigenous yeasts, unfined, unfiltered and minimal SO2 additions. *Natural Wine*