Archil Guniava Dondghlabi 2021

Enjoy it now, or cellar for a few years. No need to decant before serving.

From the small village of Kvaliti in the Imereti region, Archil Guniava Wine Cellar craft a stellar range of white, red and amber wines with a variety of native Georgian grapes. Archil Guniava is the founder and chief winemaker - he sources his grapes from a 1.5-hectare plot that sits at 300 metres above sea level, and places respect for his homeland above all else.

Like many of the grapes that this winery uses, Dondghlabi is a rare Imereti varietal that is scarcely known outside of Georgia. As well as being highly resistant to disease, Dondghlabi can be used to make some tremendous white and amber wines, beloved by locals and desired by those seeking new wine experiences.

This wine was made with traditional Georgian clay pots known as Qvevri - it spent 2 months in contact with the grape skins, before ageing for 5 more months on the lees. Look for bursts of apple and peach on the nose, with subtle hints of spices and herbs. In the mouth, this wine’s juicy, vibrant character reveals itself. Notes of passionfruit dried apricot and orange mingle with orchard nuts, such as walnuts and almonds, and there are subtle hints of bay leaf. It will be a fantastic companion for pesto and pasta, Georgian bread or chicken.