The best wines from Mukuzani in Georgia

Mukuzani is one of Georgia's most famous red wines and one of the classic designations of origin (appellations) of the Kakheti wine region. The wine is made from 100 per cent Saperavi grapes and is always dry. Mukuzani is known for its deep colour, powerful flavour and velvety tannins, whether it is made in tanks, barrels or qvevri.

Check out our wine from Mukuzani

The appellation lies on the right bank of the Alazani river. It stretches south-east from the village of Kakhipari to the village of Bakurtsikhe. In the nineteenth century Mukuzani belonged to the estate of the Chavchavadze family, and its wines were served at several European royal courts. In Soviet times Mukuzani became one of the country's most sought-after ‘wine brands’.

The demarcated area was originally small. After 1910 it was extended to include the villages of Mukuzani, Zegaani and Velistsikhe. In 2014 came a second, substantial extension with parts of Akhasheni, Vazisubani and Shashiani, among others. The designation of origin now covers around 246 hectares.

The vineyards of Mukuzani lie between 250 and 800 metres. Mukuzani is noticeably warmer than the areas further upstream: spring starts earlier and summer temperatures are around two degrees higher. To make fresher, more elegant wines, more and more growers are planting higher up the slopes.

The area is divided into two zones. The highest zone, at 500 to 800 metres on the foothills of the Gombori range, is considered the best. The soil there is humus-rich limestone with red clay in the topsoil and white clay in the subsoil, which retains moisture well in dry summers. Nadarbazevi and Tsalmiani, just above the village of Mukuzani, are regarded as the best sites. This zone is also home to Château Zegaani, part of the old Chavchavadze estate, which has been fully restored since 1998. Large producers such as Tbilvino and Telavi Marani Wine Cellar have vineyards here on rocky limestone soils. The lower zone, around the village of Velistsikhe at about 400 metres, lies on a plain. Summers there are oppressively hot, and towards the river the soil becomes wetter and more silty, making this part less suitable for top wines.

Mukuzani has always been a powerful Saperavi that benefits from oak ageing. Traditionally the wine was aged for three years before release. That requirement has been dropped, so the wine can now reach the market sooner, to the regret of some traditional winemakers. We currently have one wines from Mukuzani in our range. You can view all our wines from Mukuzani here.