The name of the drink is associated with the river in Georgia – Aragvi, but it has a deeper meaning. Georgian warrior Samas Aragveli led the Tiflis defending his native city from the troops of the Persian Khan in 1795. There were 300 of them, like Spartans. In the history, folklore and architecture of Georgia, there are many pages and monuments dedicated to the legendary Aragvians who defended their land from the enemy. Therefore, Aragveli simply continues the tradition of naming drinks in honor of national heroes.
Historical information
Askaneli Brothers is a family Georgian company from the village of Askana in the Guria region, one of the largest producers of chacha, cognac and wine in the country. The company was founded by the Chkhaidze brothers in 1998. They continued the family business: in the 80s of the XNUMXth century, their great-grandfather Antimoz lived in this area, grew grapes and made wine known outside of Georgia. The ancient cellars are still intact, and among the stocks there are carefully stored kvevri “from Antimos”, clay vessels similar to amphoras, which are about to turn one and a half centuries old.
The family business has its own vineyards and a winery with a full cycle – from obtaining wine material to bottling lines. This is one of the few factories that has modern equipment for the production of chacha and its own brand of grape vodka. In deep cellars, in oak barrels made by factory coopers, cognac spirits mature and fine wines are stored. The best winemakers of the region are involved in the production, using traditional and modern technologies. The owners of the company pay for regular internships in Europe for specialists to improve their skills and gain experience at the best factories.
Askaneli Brothers supplies its products to the CIS countries, Europe, Canada, the United States, China. The case of the company contains 32 brands of wine, 12 brands of cognac (brandy) and 4 brands of chacha.
Types of cognac “Aragveli”
Aragveli, 3 Years Old (40%). Ordinary amber drink with vanilla and grape aroma. Mild taste with hints of raisins and dried apricots. Warm tart aftertaste with tones of burnt oak. Recommended as a digestif – goes well with coffee, chocolate, apples and grapes. But, according to Georgian restaurateurs, it can be served with hard cheeses and cold meats.
Aragveli 5 Years Old (40%). Dark amber drink with golden reflections. Delicate sweetish aroma with nutty-fruity notes. Velvety taste with hints of dried berries, dried apricots and vanilla. Long aftertaste with almond tones. Served with hard cheeses, fruits, chocolate and coffee. As a digestif, it can be served clean (+20-25 °C) and with ice.
Aragveli VSOP (40%). According to the European classification, the golden-amber drink corresponds to the Very Superior Old Pale variety (“very light and old”), made from spirits aged for at least four years. Slightly harsh aroma with chocolate-resinous tones. Rich taste with hints of almond, chocolate and vanilla. Tart warm aftertaste. Experienced restaurateurs advise serving cognac as a digestif – clean.
Aragveli HO (40%). Cognac corresponds to the Extra Old class, “very old”, made from spirits with an aging period of six years. The deep tea-colored drink smells pleasantly of vanilla, chocolate and almonds. Harmonious nut-chocolate taste with a warm tart aftertaste. Recommended as a digestif, goes well with black coffee, sweet and sour apples and chocolate desserts. Georgian restaurateurs advise serving it with hard, mild cheeses to emphasize the richness of taste.
