Casreli Chitistvala 2020

Discover the Casreli Chitistvala, an intriguing natural wine from the heart of Kakheti, Georgia. This wine is a creation of Casreli Winery and reflects the authentic Georgian wine culture that dates back to ancient times. What makes this wine truly special is the revival of the nearly forgotten Chitistvala grape, which has been brought back to life by the passionate winemakers at Casreli. The wine is composed of a characterful blend: 50% Chitistvala, 30% Kisi, and 20% Rkatsiteli. The grapes are sourced from the Shaloant Akhoebi vineyard, located at an altitude of 400 meters on the sun-drenched western side of the Alazani Valley. The soil consists of a mix of loam and clay with a high stone content, ensuring excellent drainage and strong root development. Casreli Chitistvala is produced entirely naturally. Only organically grown grapes are used, and no additives or chemicals are employed during the winemaking process. After hand harvesting, the grapes are gently crushed and undergo skin contact and fermentation in Qvevri—large earthenware vessels buried underground. Fermentation occurs spontaneously with wild yeasts, and the wine remains on the skins, stems, and seeds for an additional six to eight months to mature.

This traditional method gives the wine its deep structure, pronounced character, and vibrant complexity. Casreli Chitistvala is neither fined nor filtered; it undergoes a natural clarification in the Qvevri itself. With an alcohol content of 13.7%, this wine offers a layered, powerful tasting experience that invites exploration. A true tribute to Georgian tradition, in every sip.

Taste character Casreli Chitistvala

Casreli Chitistvala is an amber-colored wine with a pronounced, deep orange-golden hue. This wine is distinguished by its powerful body and defined structure, with a finish in which fine tannins subtly linger. The aroma profile is complex and intriguing: think of a blend of black pepper, kumquat, candied citrus, alpine herbs, and wildflowers – all harmoniously intertwined. On the palate, a full and rich flavor profile emerges. Spicy notes of sage and thyme, roasted honey, warm apple compote, and caramelized raisins fill the mouth, while lively citrus nuances provide freshness and elegance. This harmonious balance makes the wine particularly well-suited to pair with a wide range of dishes: from grilled lamb to umami-rich mushrooms, aged cheeses, refined Asian cuisine, and roasted seasonal vegetables.

To fully bring out the wine’s complex flavor layers, it is recommended to serve it lightly chilled, at a temperature between 14 and 16 degrees Celsius.