Sakura 2017: Japanese female wine experts award 12 Georgian wines

An international wine competition judged exclusively by Japanese female wine specialists awarded 12 Georgian wine labels with double-gold, gold and silver medals.

The winning Georgian wines were selected from amongst 4,212 varieties of wines from 37 countries at the Sakura Japan Women's Wine Awards after five days of tasting in Japan.

Out of the 12 Georgian wines awarded, one received a double gold medal, six were awarded gold medals and five took home silver medals.

The Diamond Trophy, the most highest award of the competition, will be selected from the double-gold winners and the result will be announced later on in the year at Japan’s FOODEX2017 on March 7.

Here are the winning Georgian wines:

Double Gold

• Saperavi. 2015. Vaziani Company.

Gold

• Saperavi. 2015. Binekhi wine company.
• Marani Kondoli Vineyards Saperavi. 2014. Telavi Wine Cellar.
• Satrapezo Saperavi. 2013. Telavi Wine Cellar.
• Kindzmarauli 2014. Mildiani.
• Kisi. 2015. Vaziani Company.
• Saperavi. 2013. Winery Khareba.

Silver

• Marani Mukuzani. 2014. Telavi Wine Cellar.
• Saperavi Reserve. 2011. Mildiani.
• Saperavi Bio. 2014. Shumi.
• Kindzmarauli. 2014. Winery Khareba.
• Besini Premium Dry Red. 2013. Besini.

Georgia’s National Wine Agency said it intends to continue promoting Georgian wine abroad. The agency believes it is important for Georgia to be involved in top trade fairs around the world as it raises awareness of Georgian wine among international customers.

Japan in particular is a growing export market for Georgian wine – in 2016 alone, 160,000 bottles of Georgian wine were exported to Japan, which made for a 15 percent year-over-year increase.