Saperavi is a black grape variety used for red and rosé wine production. It is believed to originally come from Georgia. It is a mid-budding and late-ripening grape variety with medium-sized bunches and thin-skinned berries of medium size. It is drought tolerant, but susceptible to downy and powdery (oidium) mildews and also to botrytis bunch rot (grey mold). Saperavi is typically produced as a monovarietal wine, but is also used in blends with different international grape varieties. Fermentation usually takes place in stainless steel tanks, maturation – in stainless steel tanks or oak barrels. The Qvevri wine-making method is also practiced.