Saperavi

Saperavi — an ancient Georgian grape variety belonging to the eco-geographical group of the Black Sea basin. The plant features spreading saplings with entire ovate leaves that turn yellow with burgundy spots in autumn. Bunches are broad-conical, loose, medium-sized, 13–17 cm long and 12–15 cm wide, often branched. Berries are oval, dark-blue with a dense waxy bloom, medium-sized, juicy with thin but tough skin. The juice is lightly colored and has a pleasant fresh taste. The Saperavi variety is medium-late, with a vegetative period of 150–160 days and a sum of active temperatures around 290 °C. It is characterized by high yield — 90–110 centners per hectare — and good cold resistance up to -20...-22 °C, as well as drought tolerance. However, the variety has moderate disease resistance; under rainy conditions, berries may be affected by gray mold, requiring careful care and plant protection. Saperavi is widely used for producing branded table and dessert wines, such as Alushta and Kagog Yuzhnoberежny. Wines from this variety are known for their deep color, strong varietal aroma, harmonious taste, and velvety texture. Additionally, Saperavi serves as a base for breeding, with new grape varieties developed from it, highlighting its importance in viticulture.