Iberieli: Cecilia 2023

Kakhetian iconic blend, Rkatsiteli 50% + Mtsvane 50%. Cecilia shows what extended qvevri maceration can look like when it stays bright and controlled. Aromas tilt toward orchard fruit, dried citrus, and subtle spice, with a softly oxidative “amber” nuance. The palate is rounded but still taut, driven by gentle phenolic structure. It closes persistent and clean, more savoury than sweet.

Winery: Iberieli
Origin: Tsinandali village, Kakheti
Vintage: 2023
Eye: Golden Amber
Alcohol: 12.50%

Food pairings:

Smoked trout + dill & lemon: smoke/herb elements echo savoury notes and keep things clean.

Schnitzel with lemon: crunchy texture and citrus lift suit phenolic structure.

Roast pork with apples: orchard-fruit tones match, while tannins handle fat.

Iberieli is a family winery run by Zurab Topuridze, with vineyards and winemaking rooted in both Guria (West Georgia) and Kakheti (East Georgia). The estate’s aim is to protect Georgia’s authentic qvevri tradition, making natural-leaning wines from native grapes with a clear sense of place.

Disclaimer: in Kakheti, Zurab’s vineyard sits near Alazani River on stony soils, and his preference for lighter macerations often brings a distinct stony minerality to the finished wines.