Igavi Wines - Tsolikouri Imereti 2021

While this isn't a skin contact wine, it was certainly made with texture in mind. Bunches were plopped in a basket press, gently stomped and then pressed to oblivion to open up the stems and draw out more polyphenols. 10 day fermentation in a mix of old Soviet barrel, Qvevri and stainless steel, where they rested on solids for 9 months before blending and bottling without any additions, nor fining or filtration. The Qvevri and barrel were intentionally untopped throughout elevage, allowing flor to develop and encouraging more oxidative qualities in the wine. 

The result is a textural, clean, grassy and slightly mineral wine with a ripe citrus drive and elegant salinity on the finish.