Marani Chacha Saperavi

This unaged pomace brandy comes from Georgia. "Saperavi" is the grape kind (apparently one of hundreds grown in Georgia for wine and liquor). This is the second bottle I've had from Marani, following their mtsvane chacha. Sweetness is the most apparent part of the smell. It smells somewhat like new red grapes, which seems logical given its source. There's a slight herbal note in the background and possibly another gentle sweet aroma, like a type of melon. The flavor is mainly grape, somewhat similar to clear grape juice. It's generally quite subtle. It shares the same "bubbly" character I observed in the mtsvane, though it's less intense here. That buzzing sensation grows and is complemented by a lime-like taste, and both persist into a pleasing, effervescent conclusion that lasts a good while. I don't find the smell or taste very intricate. To my palate, they are dominated by grape notes, lacking the more developed harmony of scents and tastes present in the mtsvane. Maybe a wine enthusiast would pick up on more nuances of this specific grape, but from my limited perspective, it's primarily just grape. That doesn't mean it's poor quality by any stretch. It has a nice, robust aroma, a likable enough flavor, and a fulfilling finish. It's quite invigorating, served straight or cold. I certainly favor the mtsvane over this one, so I likely won't purchase it again, but it does encourage me to explore other varieties of chacha if the opportunity arises. For some reason, this one cost a few dollars more than the mtsvane, priced at $23. It's certainly a worthwhile try at that cost.