Marani Selection Usakhelauri is a semi-sweet red wine made from the rare Georgian grape variety Usakhelauri, grown in the mountainous region of Racha-Lechkhumi in western Georgia, one of the country’s scarcest and most valuable indigenous varieties. The grapes are hand-harvested due to the steep terrain and naturally low yields, making this wine highly exclusive.
After careful berry selection, fermentation is carried out in a way that preserves part of the grape’s natural sugar, resulting in gentle sweetness balanced by lively acidity. The wine has a lower alcohol level, around 11.5%, which highlights its fruit-forward character and refreshing drinkability.
In the glass, it shows a bright ruby-red color, while the aroma reveals wild strawberry, raspberry and red berry notes combined with a subtle mineral tone. On the palate, it is soft, silky and elegant, with natural sweetness harmoniously balanced by freshness, leading to a clean, fruit-driven finish.
Thanks to its aromatic profile and refined texture, Usakhelauri pairs beautifully with light desserts, fruit tarts, dark chocolate or aged cheeses, but it is also often enjoyed on its own as a wine for pure pleasure. This wine represents an authentic expression of Georgian terroir and tradition, intended for those who appreciate rarity, story and understated sophistication.
Producer
Marani is a winery from eastern Georgia, located in the Kakheti region, known for combining traditional Georgian winemaking methods with modern enological practices. Its Kondoli vineyards, one of the most renowned vineyard sites in the country, were first documented in the 18th century as a source of high-quality grapes.
The climate of the Alazani Valley provides warm days and cool nights, contributing to balanced grape ripening and preserved aromatic freshness. Marani focuses on indigenous Georgian varieties such as Saperavi, Rkatsiteli, Mtsvane and Kisi, maintaining the authentic identity of the region’s viticulture.
One of its most distinctive features is fermentation in qvevri - large clay amphorae buried underground, a winemaking method thousands of years old that allows natural micro-oxygenation of the wine. In parallel, part of the production takes place in modern stainless-steel tanks, ensuring precision and consistency of style.
This combination of heritage and technology results in wines with strong character and a clear sense of origin. Marani produces a wide range of styles - from dry whites and structured reds to characteristic amber wines with extended maceration.
Thanks to consistent quality, the winery is present in many global markets and frequently awarded at international competitions. Its approach respects local winemaking heritage while embracing contemporary standards.
Marani wines reveal the distinctive taste of Georgian terroir through a balance of minerality, aromatic complexity and depth of flavor.