What is Mukuzani wine?
Dry red Saperavi wine with a protected place name.
Short answer
Mukuzani is a dry red wine with a protected appellation of origin from a micro-zone in Inner Kakheti, made only from Saperavi grapes. The name was registered in Georgia on 30 August 2005. Under the appellation rules, actual alcohol is at least 11% by volume.
Why
- Only Saperavi is allowed under the appellation rules, and other varieties are prohibited.
- Grapes must grow in the micro-zone on the right bank of the Alazani, at 350–700 m above sea level.
- Use of the name is controlled by the National Wine Agency of Georgia.
Details
The Mukuzani micro-zone covers ten villages: Chumlaki, Akhasheni, Zegaani, Mukuzani, Velistsikhe, Vazisubani, Shashiani, Kalaura, Vachnadziani and Kakhipari. The grapes must come from there, while the wine itself may also be made elsewhere in the Kakheti viticulture area. Minimum sugar at harvest is 19%, residual sugar is at most 4 g/l and total alcohol at most 15% by volume. Ageing is optional, but if the wine is aged, it spends at least 6 months in wooden barrels. It reaches consumers only in bottles.
For other Georgian wines see the best Georgian wines to bring home, and for the region see where Kakheti is and what to see there.
Tip
Look for the name Mukuzani on the label: under the appellation rules this wine is sold only in bottles.
What may differ
Individual producers make wine in their own style within the appellation rules. The rules themselves can be updated, so check the current version with the National Wine Agency of Georgia.
Common misconception
Mukuzani is a grape variety.
What actually happens
Mukuzani is an appellation of origin, and the only grape variety under the appellation rules is Saperavi.
People also ask
- What is Mukuzani wine?
Sources
This answer is for reference: it describes the appellation rules, not the taste of a particular bottle. Rules can be updated, so check official websites.
Georgian wine: Madloba articlesRelated questions
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