Chkhaveri

Light, lifted and wild, this is one of those reds that doesn’t behave like a red in the usual sense. Think crunchy strawberry, red cherry and rosehip, with a bright citrusy edge and that fresh, almost pink-toned energy Chkhaveri does so well. It’s juicy, tangy and incredibly easy to drink, with barely-there tannins and a sort of savoury, seaside freshness that makes it feel brilliant slightly chilled. 

Pheasant’s Tears was founded by John Wurdeman and Gela Patalishvili in 2007, with a focus on reviving Georgian wine culture and native grape varieties. While the estate is best known for its work in Kakheti, this bottling comes from Adjara on Georgia’s Black Sea side, and keeps things very simple in the cellar, natural yeasts, gentle handling, no added sulphur, letting the grape’s delicate, vivid character stay front and centre.