A Russian red wine variety which is grown throughout the former Soviet Union. Poor vineyard and winery practices in these regions have thus far masked this variety's great potential. The wines have been specifically made for the European buyer and are slightly more complex than the more traditional Saperavi. A touch of oak maturation and full malo-lactic fermentation gives the wine added complexity and flavour.The wine is deep purple when young and has the ability to age slowly maintaining the purple hues while developing a soft burgundy tone. On the nose it  exhibits rich fruit characters reminiscent of blackberry and blackcurrant but also has touches of subtle oak maturation to balance the richness of fruit. The overriding factor on the nose is the intensity and richness that beckons the consumer to enjoy the palate. The palate is rich with ripe berry flavours.  The tannins are soft and even in balance with the acid.  The Blackberry and Blueberry flavours slide easily over the palate giving an impression of sweetness that is not there. The finish is soft but full and the end is still bursting with rich ripe fruit and gentle oak characters to soften the richness of the palate. Gapsted in the Alpine Valleys region of North East Victoria produce a Saperavi, a  pioneer of the variety.