Nielisi Chacha (70cl)

This is a Georgian chacha, a grape pomace brandy distilled from fermented grape skins, seeds and stems. It is bottled in 70cl. Chacha is Georgia's national spirit, and this is a commercially produced version made with standardised distillation, which gives a more approachable spirit than the raw home-distilled kind. The nose is juicy crushed grape skins with ripe pear and apple, a light floral note and a hint of baking spice. The palate is bold and grape-forward, with savoury fruit, soft grain-like sweetness, and dried sage and wild thyme. The finish is clean and warming, with grape tannin, dry spice and a slightly peppery close.