It is not hard to find a movie or streaming series with wine as part of the story. Until now I have resisted selecting a wine club feature based on entertainment but it is hard to pass the opportunity to use “Drops of God.” This Apple TV mini-series is so compelling it is hard to not explore more about the theme since it is story-telling about family, inheritance and the competitive world of exclusive wines. The story takes you to the Republic of Georgia, a part of the world known as the “cradle of wine” where winemaking has over an 8000 year history which is validated by the discovery of grape seeds of that age.

Georgia wines are produced in the “qvevri tradition,” a method of fermenting and aging wine in clay vessels buried underground. Top grape varieties are Saperavi and Rkatsitell. Saperavi, the main red grape, creates deep, rich, and acidic wines. Rkatsitell is the most widely planted white grape used for both crisp whites and intense amber wines. Another white grape is Kisi which is aromatic.and considered a hidden gem for a one varietal wine. Georgia is also known for orange wines.

The April wines are produced by Askaneli, a company founded in 1998 by the Chkhaidze brothers. The company is named after the magical village of Askana, located in the beautiful region of Guria. (This is a good time to consult a map of Eastern Europe.) They make their wine according to the old Georgian tradition followed by their ancestor, Antimoz Chkhaidze. Their aging process uses a variety of methods but their Rkatsiteli and Saperavi wines undergo the traditional Kakhetian method of qvevri, using the large clay jugs to enhance extractability and add uniqueness.

Since the distributor’s inventory did not support one wine for the white selection, members will be getting a random mix of 2023 Askaneli Rkatsiteli and 2021 Askaneli Kisi. Most will receive the Kisi which is described below. Both wines are dry but the Rkatsiteli grape is more subtle which is why the qvevri is used for fermenting to bring out texture and color

2021 Askeneli Kisi, Country of Georgia $19

This luxurious light lemon wine with its subtle aromas of green apple, green pear, apricot, and meadow flowers vividly conveys the Kakhetian spirit. Medium crispy acidity blends harmoniously with the light body, and the medium velvety finish makes the wine even more intriguing. Alcohol 12.5%

2021 Askaneli Saperavi, Country of Georgia $16

This is a bright and intense ruby-red color wine. It has an ethereal and rich bouquet with notes of ripe blackberry, pepper and cherry. Strong, soft taste with a long finish. A nice dry wine that opens very well after uncorking for an hour or so. Actually nice the next day. Alcohol: 13%