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Red Army to Red Wine! Mukuzani from Georgia (the Country!)

» posted by Rich on 2010-05-26 06:57:22

There is this great Russian grocery in my neighborhood where you can choose from over 100 different kinds of sausage, various imported cheeses, and other Russian goodies. What I hadn't noticed until now was the small wine selection behind the counter.

This is a Mom & Pop joint, and Pop was there to help me out with a wine selection. He talked up this Mukuzani Dry Red Wine from Georgian. Wikipedia says, "Mukuzani is a dry red Georgian wine made from Saperavi grapes". While it's known for it's potential for big alcohol, the label puts it at 13.5% ALC. It's real dark in color, and reminds me of a California wine in look and smell. I mean, it is really really dark...dark like night. Light has no chance of getting through this glass! Before I sipped I would have guessed it to be a Zinfandel, or maybe a blend with some Cabernet Sauvignon?

On the palate it's a lighter bodied than expected with a sour cherry component. Very light tannins. Much more fruit than earthiness. Tasting a lot like a Cali Zinfandel. Although the label says a "dry" wine, I would say it to be semi-dry, or that it has a kiss of sweetness. The finish is a kind of sweet and sour cherry candy/soda. Maybe a bit unbalanced with the alcohol, but otherwise pretty tasty.

I think I payed about $12 for this wine, which I think is a bit too high for what I got. This would be a knockout at about $6-$8. That said, I wouldn't mind trying other wines from the region.

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