Shalos Cellar
Kvemo Kartli – Georgia
Producer of Georgian natural wine
Tornike Sherazadishvili is a young winemaker from Georgia. His winery, named Shalos Marani (Marani = cellar), is located in Bolnisi in the wine region of Lower Kartli (Kvemo Kartli). It was built in 1818 by German hermits and includes about 5 hectares of vineyards. These are planted with the native grape varieties Saperavi, Rkatsiteli, Shavkapito, Tavkveri, Chinebuli, Kisi and Mtsvane.
Tornike produces natural wine and therefore rarely intervenes in the wine-making process. Its technical equipment is minimalist, almost everything is handmade. His main focus is the top quality of his grapes, so he selects them very strictly. This is reflected in a very low production volume of around 8,000 to 10,000 bottles per year.
Thousands of years old wine making technology
The ambitious winemaker uses two methods to produce white wines and red wines. For the traditional, Georgian method, he uses Qvevris. These are large clay amphorae that hold up to 3,000 liters and are embedded in the ground. Here the grape mash is filled with stems and skins and fermented. This cool maceration usually lasts a few months.
In the second method, maceration takes place in large oak barrels. It lasts about two to three weeks. The wine is then transferred to barrels and stainless steel tanks for further aging.
Both processes, under the direction of Tornike, result in exceptional wines in which both the diverse varietal aromas and the different taste qualities are wonderfully expressed.
Georgia unadulterated in glass
Tornike Sherazadishvili’s passion is especially for the two grape varieties Rkatsiteli and Saperavi Alexandrouli.
Rkatseteli is a Georgian white grape variety whose origins date back to about 5,000 BC. The Rkatsiteli of Shalo is vinified on the mash in Qvevris. It is somewhat tannic, with a fresh acidity. The oxidative treatment in the clay amphorae brings out aromas of honey, dried orange peel, spices, apricots and other stone fruits. A great natural wine, especially for fans of Orange Wines.
From the Saperavi-Alexandrouli grapes, Tornike produces powerful red wines that can develop for a long time. The skin and pulp of the Saperavi grape are both red, resulting in wines of a rare dark red color. Saperavi Alexandrouli has a soft texture with aromas of ripe red fruits and hints of oak. The wine goes well with a variety of dishes, but especially well with grilled meats or a strong cheese.