Kupati (spicy pork sausages with pomegranate seeds)

The rustic delicacy of the Georgian mountain regions for connoisseurs

If you’re looking for the perfect food wine for a dish that combines rustic meatiness with exotic fruit acidity, Kupati is an excellent choice. In the world of wine and food, these traditional sausages are considered the epitome of hearty Georgian home cooking, especially appreciated in the cooler regions. Kupati are made from coarsely minced pork, which is refined with an intense mixture of garlic, dried herbs and the distinctive aroma of barberries or pomegranate seeds. This combination creates a complex interplay of fat, spice and an animating acidity that lightens up the meat. The sausages are traditionally seared or grilled over an open fire until the skin is crispy and the essential oils of the spices release their full aroma. It is an honest, powerful dish that reflects the culinary history of the Caucasus and calls for a wine that has enough structure and character to compete with the spicy intensity and fat content of the meat, without masking the delicate fruit notes of the pomegranate or drowning on the palate.

Ideal wine accompaniment: Shavkapito (Kartlia, Georgia)

Shavkapito (Kartlia, Georgia)

A Shavkapito from the Kartlia region is the ideal answer to Kupati (spicy pork sausages with pomegranate seeds). This historic Georgian grape variety, which was once almost forgotten, produces characterful red wines that impress with their deep color and a remarkable balance between fruit and earthy spice. On the nose, the wine often develops aromas of dark wild berries, cherries and a subtle smoky note that harmonizes phenomenally with the roasted pork of the Kupati. As the sausages have a natural acidity peak due to the pomegranate seeds, the wine needs an equally lively freshness to create a harmonious balance. The Shavkapito offers exactly this structure and also has a velvety tannin structure that perfectly integrates the fat of the pork neck. It is a pairing based on absolute synergy and shows how an indigenous Caucasian red wine can enhance the complex spicy aromatics of Kupati. The mineral depth of the wine also ensures that the dish retains a remarkable elegance despite its rustic nature and the palate is refreshed by the wine’s fine acidity after every bite, perfectly rounding off the entire culinary experience.

Further wine recommendations for Kupati (spicy pork sausages with pomegranate seeds)

Rioja DOCa Reserva (Rioja, Spain)

A Rioja DOCa Reserva offers a wonderful spicy depth that is an excellent match for the strongly spiced meat of the Kupati. The characteristic notes of vanilla, dill and ripe red fruit, which are the result of long barrel ageing, complement the dried herbs in the sausage meat in a very elegant way. The crumbly tannins of the Tempranillo ideally emphasize the texture of the pork, while the fine acidity perfectly balances the fruity notes of the pomegranate on the palate. It is a very classic choice for lovers of structured red wines who are looking for a European alternative and value an accompaniment that confidently frames the hearty nuances of the Georgian sausage specialty and ensures a long-lasting, harmonious finish that wonderfully picks up on the smoky notes from the barbecue and blends with the roasted aromas of the meat.

Blaufränkisch Mittelburgenland DAC (Burgenland, Austria)

A Blaufränkisch from Mittelburgenland offers a wonderful dark berry fruit and a pithy spiciness that goes phenomenally well with the barberries and the hearty meat of the Kupati. With its distinctive tannins and lively acid structure, it stands up well to the richness of the pork sausage without overpowering the subtle herbal flavors. The mineral character of this Austrian wine corresponds perfectly with the intensity of the garlic and onions. It has enough extract to stand up to the strong roasted substances and provides a full-bodied taste experience on the palate. An excellent choice for connoisseurs who prefer a characterful red wine with plenty of freshness, which ideally picks up on the earthy nuances of the meat and leaves a very honest, unadulterated mouthfeel that perfectly reflects the tradition of Georgian peasant cuisine and focuses on the quality of the craft.

Syrah WO Stellenbosch (Western Cape, South Africa)

A Syrah from Stellenbosch brings a wonderful pepperiness and dark fruit notes that go phenomenally well with the intense spices in the Kupati. With its aromas of blackberries, smoke and black olives, it reflects the savory aspects of the sausages and stands up well to the intensity of the garlic. The powerful structure of this South African wine lays perfectly over the juicy meat and supports the rich texture in a very flattering way. It has enough extract to stand up to the roasted notes of the roast and provides a full-bodied taste experience on the palate. An excellent choice for connoisseurs who prefer a full-bodied red wine with plenty of spice, which ideally picks up on the nuances of the meat and leaves a luxurious mouthfeel that gains additional complexity from the ripe fruit and elegantly integrates the sweet and sour accents of the pomegranate seeds into the flavor profile.

Chianti Classico DOCG (Tuscany, Italy)

A Chianti Classico DOCG is an excellent partner for the spicy Kupati due to its typical Sangiovese acidity. The subtle nuances of sour cherry and dried herbs gently caress the aromatic components of the sausage and give the fruit notes of the pomegranate the space they need to develop. The wine generally has a lively structure and moderate tannins, making it a very balanced partner for hearty meat dishes. It is very focused and unobtrusive on the palate, supporting the intense spices without overpowering them with too much opulence. A reliable and elegant choice that impresses with its cool style and perfect balance of acidic fruit components, providing a round mouthfeel that pleasantly frames the spicy character of the Georgian specialty and shines with a fine mineral note on the finish.

Barolo DOCG (Piedmont, Italy)

A Barolo DOCG from the Nebbiolo grape impresses with its distinctive tannin structure and fine acidity, which forms a fascinating contrast to the juiciness of the Kupati. The aromas of dried roses, tar and dark fruits form an aristocratic counterpoint to the rusticity of the roasted sausages. The high concentration of Barolo in particular picks up on the intensity of the roasted aromas and refines the dish to the highest level. It is a very sophisticated wine pairing that impresses with its clarity and strength. For connoisseurs, this wine offers the perfect balance between invigorating freshness and deep complexity, which harmonizes wonderfully with the meat and ensures a very precise taste experience that emphasizes the quality of the spices and perfectly cleanses the palate after every hearty bite. A wine that adds a noble touch to rustic kupati and elevates the meal to a celebratory moment.

The recipe: