Kisi Qvevri, Nekresi Estate - 2023

From time to time, customers ask me to show them a funky orange wine. I often make a beeline to this wine, and those same customers typically come back for another bottle - there's not much else like it! True to eastern Georgian fashion, Nekresi Estate ferments and ages their Kisi (which was nearly extinct only 30 years ago) on the skins in clay quevri for 6 months, yielding a nicely amber colored wine and surprisingly structured tannins that'll tingle your tongue. The lengthy maceration with the skins results in an intense bouquet of creamsicle, apricot, peach, cheesecake and olive brine, all while remaining fresh and balanced. Not everyone's palates will be ready for this Kisi, but it's remarkably versatile when it comes to food. Feel confident pairing with just about anything at your table, and serve only lightly chilled!