Teleda Orgo - Dila-O Red 2021
Gogi Dakishvili — a pioneer in the revival of qvevri winemaking, as well as the founding winemaker of many of Georgia's most prestigious estates— is the current patriarch of one of the most respected traditional winemaking families in Georgia. Together with his son, Temur, they founded Teleda Orgo in 2012, combining the experience and knowledge of Gogi with the youthful energy of Temur. Teleda Orgo looks to honor the centuries of qvevri winemaking traditions, passed down from one generation of the Dakishvili family to the next, while incorporating modern practices in the vineyards and cellar.
Gogi and Temur grow and source grapes in several villages in Kakheti, the main wine-producing region located in the southeast of Georgia. Their Saperavi grapes come from the Kurdgelauri and Tsinandali villages in the Telavie district, on the right bank of the Alazani River. The combination of the dry climate — with hot days and cool nights — along with alluvial soils of clay, sand and limestone, produce the ideal conditions for Georgia's indigenous varietals. One of the unique treasures of Teleda Orgo is their abundance of old vines: all their vineyards are 50-80 years old, which is extremely rare in Georgia, since the Soviets ripped out and replanted most old vines to increase production. The low yield of these old vines produce concentrated grapes that come across in the richness and depth of the finished wines.
Dila-o (dee-la-oh) is made from 100% Saperavi, Georgia's most well-known red varietal. Saperavi is a teinturier grape — it has both red skins and juice — and the name means "dye" or "place of color." The wine is fermented with native yeasts — and no temperature control — in underground qvevri, stabilized in stainless steel tanks, and bottled unfiltered with minimal sulfur. In the glass, Dila-O presents a lovely dark purple color with a translucent garnet rim. Soaring aromas of plums, blueberries, violets and dark brambly fruits intermingle with a subtle note of savory spice and touch of earth. The palate is crisp and full of energy, with soft, mouthcoating tannins and thirst-quenching acidity. Flavors of spiced blackberries, chocolate, licorice and tobacco are complimented by an exciting, taught mineral core and glossy, persistent finish. It is indeed a special treat to offer such a distinct and historic qvevri Saperavi at such an amazing price! A refreshing gastronomic wine, though plenty engaging on its own, I would love this with grilled kebabs of beef and pork, charcoal grilled vegetables or Khinkali (Georgian dumplings).
