Orgo “Dila-O” 2023 Amber, and 2023 Saperavi

Dila-O is a line of wines produced by East-Georgian producer Orgo. Based in the wine region of Kakheti, Dila-O specializes in creating wines made in the ancient traditions of the region. I wanted to feature these two bottles as part of our Old World case of the month because of just how old these traditions are--we're talking around 8,000 years! 

This case features 2 wines--one amber wine (traditional “orange” wine) & one red wine--both produced from old vine fruit (50+ years old), and both vinified in traditional terracotta vessels known as “Qvevri.” Qvevri are large, vase-like containers with pointed bottoms meant to be buried in the earth while wine ferments or ages. Burying these vessels served as temperature-control in ancient times, while the round structure allows the wine inside to move & circulate naturally, which allows for flavor extraction & development. The lined-terracotta also allows for distinctive, earthy textures & flavors to develop within the wine.

Both of these wines are made similarly with fruit from old vines spared from Soviet uprooting in the 20th Century. Indigenous varietals (white grapes for the amber wine, red grapes for the red wine) were macerated & vinified in these traditional, egg-shaped qvevri. The skin-contact on the amber-style white wine gives it a bit of a tannic grip, along with spiced apricot and white flower notes. The red wine has deep and brooding peppery dark-fruit notes. Come explore the roots of winemaking with our Old World August case of the month!