Description
ONE OF THE WORLD’S ‘TOP 30 ORANGE WINES’ – DECANTER, JULY 2020
Chitistvala is a forgotten Georgian grape that was salvaged by the five medical doctors behind, Casreli Winery. As far as we know, they are the only ones making a blend from it today. They do not come much more authentic than this. A no holds barred Kakhetian traditional amber wine, with 30% or so of the super rare Tetri Chitishvala variety (the remainder is Rkatsiteli & Kisi).
Grapes are fermented on the skins and then aged for 6 months in Qvevri. Bottled without clarification/ filtration/ fining. Total sulphites: 30mg/ L
Precise & sculpted, with a deliciously mouthwatering citrus note to boot. Full of dried sage & thyme aromas, wisps of smoked honey, baked apples, spiced raisins, and more. A great effort from this promising new winery with a passion for traditional Qvevri wine. Only 2,000 bottles made.
Suitable for vegans.
“Five doctors created Casreli in 2015, initially just to make wine for themselves. Using entirely their own organically farmed fruit, in a blend based on the rare Tetri Chitistvala variety, they’ve created a thrilling wine made in the traditional Kakhetian manner – six months in the Qvevri with skins and stems. Rosemary and sage aromas open into baked fruits, honey, woodsmoke; tight structure, all brought together by a delicious streak of acidity. Drink 2020-2025”
93/100 points
Decanter, July 2020
