Shobili 2018 classic method brut nature – Shumi Estate (Georgia)
During my last press tour in Georgia, I tasted a very special sparkling wine: Shobili 2018
This elegant and distinctive sparkling wine represents a masterful fusion of two ancient winemaking traditions, seamlessly uniting 8,000 years of Georgian viticultural heritage with four centuries of refined French champagne craftsmanship, brought to life through a close partnership between skilled Georgian and French vintners at Shumi Winery in Georgia. Crafted from a carefully balanced blend of 70% Chinebuli and 30% Kakhuri Mtsvane grape varieties, the wine begins with meticulously hand-harvested grapes whose destemmed pulp undergoes primary fermentation in traditional Georgian Qvevri vessels for 4 months. After this, the wine enters a secondary fermentation phase inside the bottle, following classic méthode champenoise practices: totally 22 months on the lees. The result is a sparkling wine that shimmers with a delicate greenish hue and offers a vibrant bouquet of citrus, honey and exotic tropical fruit aromas. On the palate, it reveals a refined acidity that is elegantly integrated with a smooth, velvety texture and a lingering, luxurious finish.
Established in 2001, Shumi Winery has become a distinguished name in the world of Georgian winemaking, standing out as one of the country’s premier producers of exceptional quality wines. Nestled in the historic and picturesque village of Tsinandali, located in Georgia’s renowned Kakheti wine region, the winery benefits from a rich legacy of viticulture and a unique natural setting that contributes to the character of its wines. The name “Shumi” is derived from an ancient Georgian term that signifies pure, unadulterated wine—a tribute to the winery’s commitment to authenticity and tradition. The emblem of the winery, a griffin, is inspired by “Phaskunji,” a mythical creature deeply rooted in Georgian folklore. According to legend, this mystical being was the bearer of the very first cluster of grapes given to mankind, a symbolic act that marked the beginning of viticulture on Earth and thus the origin of wine cultivation among humans. Today, Shumi Winery spans a vast estate with 300 hectares of vineyards scattered across various microzones throughout the country. Each of these locations is characterized by its own unique combination of climate, soil, and historical significance, enabling the winery to produce a broad spectrum of wines that reflect the diversity of Georgia’s terroirs.
Although the wines produced in the immediate vicinity of the winery are known for expressing the bold and earthy qualities typical of the Kakhetian style, Shumi’s ambition goes far beyond regional borders. The winery has established itself not only as a producer but also as a cultural ambassador of Georgian wine, inviting visitors from all over the globe to explore an unparalleled collection of over 400 indigenous grape varieties. This living library of vines is complemented by an impressive museum that showcases ancient tools, vessels, and artifacts used throughout centuries of Georgian winemaking history, offering guests a comprehensive and immersive experience. Situated in the fertile Alazani River Valley at the base of the Gombori mountain range, just south of the imposing Caucasus Mountains, the estate lies in what many consider the cradle of wine. This eastern corner of Georgia is both rich in tradition and one of the most productive wine-growing areas in the country. In addition to its main estate in Kakheti, Shumi also cultivates vineyards in several other notable regions, including Khvanchkara and Martvili in the west, as well as Tsinandali, Akhmeta, Gurjaani, Akhasheni, Kindzmarauli, Napareuli, Kvareli, Mukuzani, and Ikalto in the east. The diversity of soil types—from nutrient-rich alluvial and loamy soils to brown forest soils—adds further complexity and depth to the winery’s offerings, making Shumi not just a place where wine is produced, but a place where the ancient and modern coexist in celebration of one of the world’s oldest winemaking traditions.
Image credit belongs to Olga Sofia. Glass of Bubbly was granted permission to use them.
