The red grape variety originates from Georgia; the name means "dyer" (dyer grape). Synonyms are Atenuri Saperavi, Didi Saperavi, Krasilshik, Meshketi, Meshkuri Saperavi, Obchuri Saperavi, Saperaibi, Saperave Moklemtevana, Saperavi Crni, Saperavi de Kachet, Saperavi de Kakhetie, Saperavi Patara, Saperavi Taokeri, Saperawi, Sapeur, Scoperawi and Szaperavi. There are the varieties Saperavi Budeshurisebri, Saperavi Grdzelmarcvala, Saperavi Mskhvilmarcvala and Saperavi Pachkha. The lineage (parentage) is unknown. It was a crossing partner of the new varieties Akhtanak, Bastardo Magarachsky, Granatovy, Melnik Yubileen, Nerkeni, Novac, Rubinovy Magaracha, Saperavi Severny, Serena, Sibera and Tigrani.
The late-maturing, high-yielding vine is resistant to winter frost and also to drought. It produces colourful, full-bodied, tannic and acidic red wines with fruity aromas of cherries and blackberries and excellent ageing potential if matured properly. Due to the strongly colouring red flesh, the variety is also often used as a Teinturier (colouring grape). Even when blended with a third of white wine, the wine remains dark-coloured. But it is also used as table grape.
Saperavi was already widespread in Georgia in the 17th century. With 4,751 hectares of vineyards, it is the most common red wine variety there. It is mainly cultivated in the Kakheti region in the southeast. There it is the dominant variety in the appellation wines Achascheni, Kindzmarauli, Mukuzani and Napareuli. There were other stocks in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Australia (10 ha), Bulgaria, Kazakhstan (428 ha), Moldova (573 ha), Russia (716 ha) and Ukraine. In 2016, a total of 6,478 hectares of vineyards were designated. It is thus ranked 99th in the world grape variety ranking.
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012
Pictures: Ursula Brühl, Doris Schneider, Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI)
