Pheasant's Tears, Adjara Chkhaveri Dry 2021

The Chkhaveri vineyards are planted in a remote highland region in Adjara, where vineyard traditions were weakened by centuries of repeated incursions from Turkey. The grapes are grown in collaboration with John’s godson, Jambuli Disamidze, 

Grapes: Chkhaveri

Vineyard: West Georgian region of Adjara, village of Qvashta, region of Keda. Clay and granite soils. 500m above sea level, in mountains near the Black Sea. Planted 10 years ago, farmed organically from the start. The vineyard is composed of two parcels; one with higher terraces, and the other with a slightly lower steep slope. 

Making of: The grapes are harvested by hand, then destemmed and gently crushed into stainless steel. After one week of skin contact, the grapes are removed from the skins. Fermented and aged in stainless steel for one year, followed by another year in bottle.

Personality: Playful and pretty light red, Jura-style.