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Winemaking in Georgia, rooted deeply in its distant past, is an integral part of the country's cultural heritage and traditions. Thanks to its unique climatic conditions and diversity of soils, Georgia is an ideal place for cultivating over 500 different grape varieties, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. In this article, we will immerse ourselves in the world of Georgian wines, exploring their names, varieties, and characteristics that make these beverages truly unique and beloved among wine enthusiasts worldwide.
Main Winegrowing Regions of Georgia
Georgia is divided into several notable wine-producing regions, each renowned for its unique vineyards and winemaking methods. Winemaking thrives primarily in Kakheti, Imereti, Racha-Lechkhumi, and Kartli, as well as in areas along the Black Sea coast. Notably, Kakheti leads the country in winemaking, offering a wide variety of wines due to its rich assortment of microzones.
In Kakheti, micro zones such as Ateni and Bolnisi in Kartli, as well as Svir in Imereti, stand out. In Racha-Lechkhumi, the iconic micro zones include Khvanchkara, Tvishi, and Usakhelauri, producing wines distinguished by their unique flavor characteristics.
According to ampelographic research, Georgia cultivates over 500 grape varieties. Among white varieties, Goruli Mtsvane, Mtsvane, Rkatsiteli, Tsitska, and Tsolikauri are particularly popular, while among reds, Alexandroupoli, Odzhaleshi, Mudzhuretuli, and Saperavi stand out, with the latter known for its deep red color and intense flavor.
Various methods are employed in winemaking, including traditional Imeretian and Kakhetian techniques. The Imeretian method involves pressing grapes together with seeds and stems, imparting acidity and persistent flavor qualities to the wine. In contrast, the Kakhetian method involves fermentation with stems for several months, giving the wine a robust and rich character. A method for producing semi-sweet wines is also used, where high-sugar grapes undergo complete fermentation while retaining natural sugars in the finished beverage.
Types of Georgian Wines
Several types of wines are distinguished in Georgia, ranging from young to collectible or wines with controlled designation of origin. This categorization reflects the manufacturing techniques, aging periods, and grape varieties used in production. The assortment includes both white and red wines, each possessing unique flavor qualities.
Interestingly, white wines can be produced from red grape varieties using a specific processing method. The country offers a wide range of table wines of various sweetness levels and specialty wines, including fortified and dessert wines.
Georgia is known for its unique indigenous grape varieties, such as Saperavi, Rkatsiteli, and Mtsvane, which form the basis for a variety of wines. Saperavi imparts wines with a deep dark color and intense flavor with pronounced tannins. Rkatsiteli, a white variety, is renowned for its aromatic and freshness, making the wine light and refreshing. Mtsvane is characterized by fruity notes and aroma.
Traditional production techniques, including the use of qvevri (clay vessels buried in the ground), help preserve the natural qualities of grapes and give the wine unique characteristics. These methods contribute to the creation of wines with high tannin content, full-bodied, and acidic characteristics, making each sip a reflection of Georgia's rich winemaking culture. And to experience all of this culture, one can visit a restaurant in Tbilisi, for example.
Most Famous Georgian Wines
Let's discuss some of the most famous Georgian wines. They include:
- Telianis - a renowned white wine made from Georgian varieties Rkatsiteli and Mtsvane, known for its fresh acidity, floral aromas, and mineral notes, originating from the Kakheti region.
- Mukuzani - an outstanding dry red wine made from Saperavi grapes, aged in oak barrels, known for its deep tannin structure and complex flavors of dark fruits, spices, and oak, grown in the Mukuzani microzone in Kakheti.
- Napareuli - an exquisite wine from Kakheti, made from red and white varieties, particularly noted is the red wine made from Saperavi grapes, characterized by bright acidity, full body, and depth of flavor with notes of berries and plums.
- Gurjaani - a wine often made from Rkatsiteli grapes, originating from the Gurjaani region in Kakheti, known for its light, aromatic profile with pronounced floral and fruity notes.
- Manavi - a greenish-yellow, highly aromatic wine made from Mtsvane grapes grown in the Manavi microzone in Kakheti, noted for its bright acidity, freshness, and flavors of green apple, pear, and sometimes tropical fruits.
Each of these wines represents Georgia's rich viticultural heritage, highlighting traditional Georgian grape varieties and winemaking techniques honed over centuries.
What can you try at our café?
In our café, you can taste many wonderful wines. Here are just a few of them:
- White dry wine "5 Grapes from qvevri and oak barrel". The wine is made using ancient Georgian technology and initially spends 16 days in qvevri. After that, it is aged in French oak barrels. A similar technology is also used to make Khikhvi (also white wine) and Saperavi (dry red), which you can also try with us.
- Ice wine Barbale. Wine falls into the category between semi-sweet and dessert. The wine is made from grapes that have already been frozen, essentially raisins. Therefore, it contains a lot of sugar, and the wine also has a unique aroma, similar to a mix of peach and pineapple. "Barbale" in this case is the name of the winery where this wine is made. Served chilled.
- Usakhelouri. The true pride of our restaurant. This wine cannot be found outside of Georgia because only about 1000 bottles are produced per year. It is produced in the Lechkhumi region. The only wine that is sold only in whole bottles, it is impossible to purchase one or several glasses separately. But when you purchase this wine from us, you will also receive a wine board as a gift. The promotion is valid not only for this wine but also for all others.
But this is just a small part of what we can offer. You can also try wines such as Kisi, Tvishi, Saperavi Rosé, Khvanchkara, and others with us.
