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Cognac Eristavi (Eristavi) produces one of the oldest Georgian enterprises in the industry – JSC “David Sarajishvili”. The cognac factory has been operating in the capital of Georgia, Tbilisi, since 1888, the main part of the production is exported to Russia and the CIS countries. Cognac is made from local grape varieties grown in Kakheti, Imereti and Kartli.
Historical information
The founder of Georgian cognac production David Sarajishvili came from a wealthy merchant family. After graduating from the gymnasium, the young man left Tbilisi for St. Petersburg to enter the university. He completed his studies already in Germany, where in 1871 he received a doctorate in chemistry and philosophy. Then Sarajishvili continued his education and studied agricultural sciences for six years.
In 1878, during a visit to France, the scientist became passionately interested in viticulture and winemaking. Having thoroughly studied the peculiarities of making brandy, he became eager to establish the production of Georgian cognac. At the age of 35, David returned to his homeland, where he acquired a vodka factory. At first, the enterprise produced vodka and liquor, while Sarajishvili experimented with various varieties of local grapes, distilled spirits and mixed them into blends.
In 1885, the first barrels were laid in the cellars, and three years later, the entrepreneur built a new factory in Tbilisi, which was engaged in the production of brandy exclusively. By the beginning of the new century, Sarajishvili’s empire included more than ten enterprises and numerous warehouses for storing alcoholic beverages throughout Russia. Georgian cognacs were highly appreciated by experts and won seven gold medals at European exhibitions.
In 1911, the entrepreneur died, and the business passed to his wife. Two years later, the company received the status of a supplier to the imperial court. However, then the family business collapsed – in connection with the First World War and the revolution that followed it, production stopped. The Tbilisi Brandy Factory started working again only in 1954, already in a new building, which was built on the site of the old enterprise.
In 1994, production facilities passed into private hands. The new owner returned the name of its founder, David Sarajishvili, to the plant. In the cellars of the enterprise, unique cognac spirits with a long aging period are collected, the oldest of them was distilled in 1893. The company produces outstanding samples of cognacs, which have won more than 250 awards at international industry competitions.
Production features
Cognac “Eristavi” is made from Georgian grape varieties – “tsitska”, “tsolikauri”, “rkatsiteli”, “mtsvane goruli”. From a carefully harvested crop, not too sweet wine is made with bright fruity tones on the palate. Distillation takes place according to classical French technology in a Charente-type apparatus.
After double distillation, the future cognac is placed in oak barrels for at least three years to mature. Blends are made with the addition of aged spirits from the rich collection of the company. After mixing, cognac rests in oak bottles for 4 to 12 months.
Interesting Facts
- In 1889, the company purchased two hundred barrels of collection spirits in France. Some of them managed to be saved during the revolution and subsequent troubled times of the civil war thanks to the chief technologist of the plant, Vakhtang Tsitsishvili, who simply walled up that part of the cellars where the precious reserves were stored.
- Eristavi is an old Georgian title, whose roots go back to the early Middle Ages. Its holders were equal in status to the dukes and had the right to wear special insignia.
Types of cognac Eristavi
Eristavi 3 years, 40%
A blend of three-year-old spirits from Rkatsiteli grapes. The color of the drink is golden-amber, fruity and spicy tones are mixed in the aromatic range. The taste reveals hints of prunes, raisins, honey and almonds, spicy notes of spices are added at the finish.
Eristavi 5 years, 40%
The blend contains distillates aged five years. Dark golden drink has a rich aromatic bouquet with fruity-floral hues. Dried fruits, vanilla, hazelnuts and almonds harmoniously combine in an oily and expressive taste. Medium long aftertaste.
