When we arrived at Sarajishvili Winery, Tbilisi, well known for its brandy, it was nighttime. The Sarajishvili Winery, founded by David Sarajishvili, has been producing wine brandy using French cognac technology since 1884. Sarajishvili wine brandy is produced from white wine that is doubly distilled then aged in oak barrels before bottling. The aging process can take from three years to centuries of time. From its beginning Georgia's Sarajishvili Winery produced high quality brandy that gained popularity in the Russian Empire and internationally. Throughout the winery's history it has managed to survive many perils. Sarajishvili Winery privatized in 1994 now produces 10 products.
Tasting Wine Brandy Georgian Style
Tasting brandy Georgian style is a special treat. In fact on a normal day it could easily have been a whole day experience for me. I could imagine setting there sampling the savory goodies first, then slowly working my way through to the sweets. During all this I would capture pictures for the photo journey and make detailed notes. Unfortunately, time did not permit; so for me it was a few quick photo shootout, and a few samples. No Georgian supra this time, except for the senses.
Tasting brandy Georgian style is a special treat. In fact on a normal day it could easily have been a whole day experience for me. I could imagine setting there sampling the savory goodies first, then slowly working my way through to the sweets. During all this I would capture pictures for the photo journey and make detailed notes. Unfortunately, time did not permit; so for me it was a few quick photo shootout, and a few samples. No Georgian supra this time, except for the senses.
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Food offerings to go along with Sarajishvili XO © Spaswinefood
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Let me not forget when we arrived at Sarajishvili Winery we were met by the winemaker at the entrance to the barrel room. Upon entering the barrel room my nose immediately felt the wonderful odors produced by the brandy being aged in oak barrels.
After an introduction explaining the history of brandy making at the winery we were treated to a very special barrel sample. It was divine.
After a tasting in the barrel room next, we visited the tasting room.
While at Sarajishvili Winery I was very lucky to sample their brandies. We tasted the Srajishvili XO, a blend of 15 different spirits, the oldest one being over 30 years old. The tasting was accompanied by an amazing offering of treats.
I did manage to survey a brandy display. I can imagine sampling their 20th Century or the rare David Sarajishvili. There is nothing like a well-aged brandy produced in cognac style. However, by Georgian wine history, with viticulture in Georgia dating back to 6000BC, the production of wine brandy is quite young.
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| Arriving at Sarajishvili barrel room © Spaswinefood |
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| Entering Sarajishvili's barrel room © Spaswinefood |
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| Sarajishvili's barrel room © Spaswinefood |
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| Getting a barrel sample © Spaswinefood |
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| A little sampling from the barrel at Sarajishvili © Spaswinefood |
After a tasting in the barrel room next, we visited the tasting room.
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| Sarajishvili's tasting room barrel display © Spaswinefood |
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| Sarajishvili's historic barrels © Spaswinefood |
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Food offerings to go along with Sarajishvili brandy tasting © Spaswinefood
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| Sarajishvili's wine brandies ( Sarajishvili 5, Sarajishvili VS and) © Spaswinefood |
All too soon our visit was over and we were on our way. Tasting brandy Georgian style was an event that I always remember. The Srajishvili XO paired with chocolate and orange was heavenly. Our trip to Sarajishvili Winery was part of an #EWBC post-conference trip, sponsored by the Georgian Wine Association. I look forward to writing about my Georgian wine experiences at Spaswinefood.
Sharon
November 2012
Tbilisi, Georgia
© Spaswinefood
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