Tonight’s curtain call belongs to Saperavi, a grape as dramatic as its origins. Hailing from Georgia, one of the world’s oldest winemaking regions, it remains a rarity in Australia, with only a handful of vineyards growing this variety.

Family owned and operated in Victoria’s King Valley, Symphonia Fine Wines reads like a production worth watching. Led by mother-daughter duo Suzanne and Sophie, working alongside winemaker Lilian Carter, together they champion cool climate, left-field European varieties crafted with a minimalist approach that lets the fruit take centre stage.

The name translates to “dyed” or “painted”, a nod to the grape’s unusually dark flesh and deeply pigmented skins. A robust and intensely flavoured, full-bodied red, this wine reveals layers of blackcurrant, mulberry and dried herbs across the palate, lifted by herbal aromas and a strong tannic backbone. This is no shrinking violet – it holds the stage without asking permission.

Pairing Guide: Saperavi is the headline act, settle in with a mushroom and walnut pate and let the wine lead.

For purchase and more information about the winery visit Symphonia Fine Wines