Georgian wine is known throughout the world as one of the best. No wonder Georgia is called the “Cradle of Winemaking”. More than five thousand different grape varieties are grown here, four of which are known throughout the world. In this article we will look at the main brands and varieties of Georgian wines, indicating their characteristics. It is impossible to make a rating of Georgian wines, because each has a special taste and aroma and it would be wrong to single out any of them. There are a great variety of them: white, red, dry, semi-sweet, fortified.
Unfortunately, grape plantations in Georgia have been destroyed more than once by invaders throughout the history of winemaking. So, for example, after the invasion of Tamerlane, a bare, scorched area remained in place of beautiful vineyards.
The most successful period of Georgian winemaking is considered time within the USSR. Almost eighty-five percent of all wine products in the USSR were supplied by Georgia. All brands of Georgian wines were in great demand and were very loved by Soviet citizens.
Currently, Georgia is known in the world of winemaking for its Kakheti technology for producing this wonderful drink.
This is a special way of storing the sunny drink not in barrels, as is common throughout the world, but in qvevri jugs. This jug holds five thousand liters. These jugs are buried in the ground up to the neck, which allows the drink to be stored at approximately the same temperature of fourteen degrees, which is considered the most favorable for fermentation. To this day, grape must is crushed underfoot in Kakheti.
The excellent quality of Georgian wine is famous and unique, just thanks to this method.
White dry:
White semi-sweet
- Akhmeta– semi-sweet with a floral-spicy aroma and soft berry taste. The bouquet develops best when consumed cool.
- Tetra is a gorgeous semi-sweet white with a floral aroma. The taste is quite rich with notes of honey and berries. Tetra is perfect with fruits or desserts. Best consumed chilled.
- Georgian wine Twishy– very fresh semi-sweet golden, it is best to drink it slowly enough to have time to enjoy all the bouquets of Tvishi’s taste.
- Chkhaveri is very mild in taste, semi-sweet, with a delicate floral aroma. It is made from the Chkhaveri grape variety.
Red dry
Semi-dry reds
Fastened
- Kardanakhi- This is essentially port wine with a bright honey-bread taste. It is made from Rkatsiteli grapes. Aged for three years in oak barrels.
- Anacha - has a bright taste of Madeira shades. Rkatsiteli grapes are used for production. Anacha is aged for three years in oak barrels.
Dessert
- Itself – has a soft smell of ripe fruits and roses. The taste is buttery with notes of honey.
- Khikhvi – has a pronounced nutmeg taste and aroma. Rkatsiteli grapes are used to make this drink.
- Salkhino– liqueur, with bright burgundy color and quince smell. The taste has berry and chocolate notes. For its production, Isabella and Tsolikouri grapes are used. It is aged in barrels for three years.
How to choose Georgian wine
Currently, the wine market is quite large. But when buying Georgian wine, it is better to buy it not in a supermarket, but in a special store. The best varieties of Georgian wines will be presented there.
Georgia is a beautiful, flourishing country that is famous for its hospitality, national cuisine and, of course, wines. Winemaking in Georgia is closely connected with its history and traditions, which is why this industry occupies leading place in the economy and life of the country.
The first wineries on the territory of this country appeared already in the 9th – 10th centuries AD. and since then not only traditional methods of wine production have been preserved, but also new technologies have been developed.
That is why Georgian wines are famous throughout the world for their unique bouquet of taste and aroma, as well as a huge variety of brands and types.
Winemaking of Georgia
Viticulture and winemaking occupy a special place in Georgian culture.
Georgia is rightfully considered the birthplace of many varieties of cultivated grapes, and the first vineyards were established on its territory, the harvest of which was used for wine production.
Initially, wine was prepared at home, but after the 10th century the first wineries appeared. Moreover, each region of Georgia had its own characteristics of the recipe and technology for preparing these alcoholic drinks.
Two traditional methods have survived to this day: Kakhetian and Imeretian.
The main difference between these methods is the different fermentation times and the processing features of the wine material. When using the Kakhetian method of four months of fermentation, the resulting product is filtered, due to which the finished product has a tart, rich taste.
A distinctive feature of the production of real Georgian wine is that the grapes are crushed together with the twigs and the resulting juice is fermented for 3 to 4 months. This allows you to get a special aroma and bouquet of wine.
Also widely developed in Georgia home production wine Recipes for making wine in different regions may have their own characteristics, but they are based on traditional Georgian winemaking technology, which is quite different from European methods.
In order to prepare alcoholic drinks at home, in Georgia it is customary to crush grapes with your feet, without using special presses or other technical means.
For further fermentation, the wine materials are placed in a clay Georgian wine jug “qvevri”. They are buried in the ground, thanks to which the optimal temperature for grape fermentation is maintained, equal to 14 ° C. This technology for preparing homemade wine gives it a rich taste and unique bouquet.
After the fermentation process is completed, the resulting drink is filtered and poured into clay jugs or bottles and left in a cool, dark place. At the same time, all fermentation processes finally end in it and the drink acquires its final taste and aroma. Under these conditions, the cooking technology homemade wine may take one year or more.
Classification of Georgian wines
To produce Georgian wines, the best grape varieties and traditional recipes are used. Depending on the raw materials, white and red wine is produced, which is divided into dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet, dessert and fortified.
In addition, Georgian wines are divided into: varietal, vintage and collection.
Varietal wines are made from one grape variety and differ from vintage wines in a more simplified technology. Collection drinks have many years of aging and a strictly controlled manufacturing process.
In this article we will look at the most popular brands of Georgian wines.
Dry Georgian wine
Widely known and in great demand all over the world. It has a mild taste that goes well with meat dishes and light cheese snacks.
Dry white wine is served with white meat, fish and seafood. It has a light golden color and is produced using Rkatseteli and Mtsvane grapes or a mixture of them in various proportions. The most famous of them are the wine “Rkatseteli”, “Mtsvane”, “Kisi”, “Vazisubani”, vintage dry wine “Gurjaani”, etc.
Semi-dry and semi-sweet Georgian wine
Semi-sweet red wine is made from the best varieties of Georgian grapes and has a rich fruity taste and refined aroma.
It goes well with desserts, cheeses and dishes of national Georgian cuisine.
The best Georgian semi-sweet red wines are Kakheti wines, these include “Kindzmarauli”, “Khvanchkara”, etc.
White Georgian wines are different delicate aroma and an exquisite bouquet. For their production, various grape varieties are used - Rkatseteli, Mtsvane, Tsolikauri, etc.
Semi-dry wine, especially Tbilisuri, is also deservedly popular all over the world. It is most often served as an aperitif or with light desserts.
White semi-sweet wine has a dark golden or amber color, a rich fruity bouquet and a pleasant aftertaste. The most popular wine among them is “Chkhaveri”.
Fortified Georgian wine
Vintage fortified and dessert wine is distinguished by strictly controlled production technology and fairly long aging. Georgian wine in a clay jug is especially prized; it is produced using traditional recipes and has a delicious taste and aroma. Among red wines, it is worth paying attention to “Teliani” and “Naperiuli”, and among white wines - “Kardanakhi”, “Khikhvi”.
Which Georgian wine is better to choose?
The choice of alcoholic beverages primarily depends on personal preferences, the type of dishes with which they will be served and many other factors. For example, semi-sweet wine is suitable for light desserts and fruits, dry white wine is chosen for fish and seafood dishes, red wine is suitable for meat and meat snacks.
Also, when choosing alcoholic beverages, it is important to pay attention to the manufacturer, since production technologies may have their own characteristics, which determines differences in the taste characteristics of the drink.
The most famous producers of Georgian wines are the large wineries of the Talisman, Khareba and Tamada concerns. All of them produce a wide range of wine varieties that are popular not only in Georgia, but also abroad.
Thanks to his high quality and excellent taste characteristics, Georgian wine is in great demand all over the world. Traditional manufacturing technologies make it possible to obtain a rich bouquet of drinks, and aging in clay jugs gives them a characteristic long aftertaste.
Georgia is rightly called the birthplace of wine, because it has been produced here for more than 8,000 years! And out of the two thousand grape varieties existing in the world suitable for winemaking, 525 unique varieties are grown in Georgia. It is not surprising that wine is still one of its calling cards.
We bring to your attention a review 12 best Georgian wines for every taste.
"Khvanchkara". This is the queen of semi-sweet wines and the pride of local winemakers; it has a highly developed bouquet and aroma, a harmonious velvety taste with raspberry tones. The wine has repeatedly won gold awards at various international competitions. The dark ruby drink is made from Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grape varieties, which grow in Western Georgia.
"Kindzmarauli". One of the most famous wines of Kakheti, made from Saperavi grapes. This semi-sweet red wine with an intense dark garnet color and a delicate and velvety taste was first released in 1942. Awarded 3 gold, 4 silver and bronze medals at various international competitions. Ideal for grilled meat.
"Mukuzani." One of the best Georgian dry red wines made from the Saperavi grape variety. Produced since 1888. It has a dark garnet color, a pronounced fruity aroma, a soft velvety taste and a harmonious aftertaste of forest berries. Its main feature is that this wine is aged for at least three years in oak barrels.
"Tsinandali". This elite table dry white vintage wine is the pride of Kakheti winemakers. It has been produced since 1886 from the Rkatsiteli and Mtsvane grape varieties. The drink has a light straw color, a wonderful fruity bouquet, soft delicate taste. Awards include 10 gold and 9 silver medals at international competitions.
"Akhasheni." Red table semi-sweet wine with a rich, pleasant aroma, dark garnet color and exclusive harmony taste properties with chocolate tones. Made from Saperavi grapes, which are grown in the Gurjaan region. It was first presented in 1958, and since then has won 6 gold and 5 silver medals.
"Saperavi". Dry table red ordinary wine made from the grape variety of the same name, which is grown in Kakheti. It has a rich garnet color, a unique harmonious taste, pleasant astringency, and a developed bouquet. Produced since 1886. Awarded gold and silver medals. Saperavi is the best combination with fatty dishes of Georgian cuisine.
"Alazani Valley". White natural semi-sweet wine made from Rkatsiteli and Mtsvane grape varieties grown in Kakheti, in the Alazani Valley. It has a light golden color, a pleasant floral-fruity aroma, a sour-sweet harmonious fresh taste and an original aftertaste. An excellent aperitif, it goes well not only with fruits and desserts, but also with seafood dishes, white meats, vegetable dishes, cheeses and cold appetizers.
"Tbilisuri". Table white semi-dry wine is made from Rkatsiteli and Mtsvane varieties grown in Kakheti. It has a light straw color and a harmonious combination of natural sweetness and acidity. This fresh, soft taste with a fruity aroma is ideal as an aperitif, as well as on a sweet table.
"Ojaleshi." One of the best Georgian naturally semi-sweet red wines, made from the grape variety of the same name, grown in the Tsageri region of Georgia. It has a dark ruby color, a delicate bouquet and aroma, a rich harmonious taste with fruity notes. It was first manufactured in 1933.
"Tsinandali". Vintage dry white wine made from Rkatsiteli and Mtsvane grape varieties grown in Telavi and Kvareli. The wine is aged in oak barrels for three years. It has a light straw color, a soft oily taste with notes of acacia flowers and a long, pleasant aftertaste. Produced since 1886. At various international competitions, she was awarded 10 gold and 9 silver medals.
"Chkhaveri". Pink semi-sweet wine is made from the grape variety of the same name. It is believed that this is one of the most ancient wines of Georgia. The grapes for its production are grown in the mountainous region of Guria at an altitude of 300-600 meters above sea level. The wine has a light ruby color and has a pronounced aroma of berries, including black currants. Its taste is balanced and harmonious, with a long, pleasant aftertaste. Goes great with desserts and fruits.
"Usakhelauri". This red naturally semi-sweet wine is made from the grape variety of the same name, which is grown in the Tsageri region of western Georgia. The wine has an exquisite ruby color, a pleasant sweetish velvety and delicate taste with a hint of strawberry. Since 1934, the drink has managed to win many gold and silver awards at various international competitions.
Winemaking in Georgia is not a skill or even an art: it is a way of life and one of the most carefully protected traditions in the country. Although most of today's popular brands are not even 100 years old, the first Georgian wines appeared more than 30 centuries ago.
Historical information. A thousand years BC, on the lands of modern Georgia (then the Kingdom of Colchis), they knew how to produce wine using the Kakheti method - keeping the drink in qvevri vessels dug into the ground. More than 3,000 thousand years have passed, but the ancient recipe has been preserved and is successfully used by modern winemakers.
In the 4th century. n. e. the country adopted Christianity, after which wine began to perform not only medical, but also ritual functions. Despite the active foreign policy and many military conflicts, Georgians always found time to develop wine culture, creating more than 500 unique species wines, most of which are almost never exported.
Qvevri - vessels buried in the ground for fermentation and aging of wine In the 19th century, the most famous wines of Georgia appeared: dry Tsinandali, Mukuzani, Napareuli, semi-dry Tbilisuri. The Russian government spared no expense in supporting winemaking in the country: wineries and special schools were founded, local winemakers underwent internships abroad, and in 1889, the Georgian prince Ivan Bagration-Mukhrani produced on his estate Chateau Mukhrani, a sparkling wine that was awarded the First Prize at the Paris exhibition .
The Soviet “elite” also understood the importance of preserving Georgia as the “wine capital” of the USSR, so the 20th century saw the peak of Georgian wines, which became known far beyond the borders of the Union. Today there are four main wine-growing regions in the country: Kakheti, Kartli, Imereti and Racha-Lechkhumi. Each of these territories includes a number of microzones with famous representative varieties.
Peculiarities. Georgian wines are noticeably different from European ones for several reasons:
- Autochthonous grape varieties, little known outside the country (for example, Saperavi, Rkatsiteli, Mtsvane).
- Ancient production technologies (Kakheti, Imerti). The pulp is only partially separated from the juice, the wines are more tannic, full-bodied and acidic (Sviri, Dimi).
- A unique subtype of wines is naturally semi-sweet (Khvanchkara, Pirosmani, Kindzmarauli). In most regions, ripened grapes are harvested late, in mid-autumn. The berries are full of juice and very sweet, and due to climatic conditions (low temperatures), fermentation proceeds slowly, so some of the sugar is retained in the finished wine. Such drinks are considered elite.
Classification of Georgian wines
In Georgia there is no multi-stage system for categorizing wines by quality, as, for example, in France or Italy. Georgian vintage wines (considered the best) are controlled only by origin - the names are assigned to areas with unique soil and climatic conditions, where certain grape varieties are grown and traditional winemaking technology for the region is observed. The aging period of vintage wines is at least 2-3 years. Young wine is called ordinary, goes on sale the very next year after bottling, has a soft bouquet and an affordable price.
In addition, Georgian wines are either varietal (made from only one grape variety) or blended, consisting of a mixture of juices or finished wines that are usually mixed before aging.
White Georgian wines
<0,3%):
- Tsinandali (combines with fish, poultry, pkhali, has a pronounced floral and fruity bouquet, tea rose tones are felt).
- Gurjaani (spicy with bitterness, served with meat, cheese, fish).
- Napareuli (delicate “female” wine).
- Rkatsiteli (goes with barbecue, spicy cheese, bouquet with sourness).
- Manavi (“summer” refreshing alcohol).
- Vazisubani (taste – tones of wildflowers and honey).
- Tsitska (aged up to 12 years, bright bouquet).
- Tsolikauri (aged 20 years, almost never exported).
- Bakhtrioni (the pride of the Akhmeta region).
- Tibaani (produced using Kakheti technology, tones of fading tea rose).
Real dry Georgian wines cannot contain more than 3-4 g of unfermented sugar per liter of product; the lower this figure, the better the quality of the drink.
Dry, ordinary (alcohol 10-13%, sugar<0,3%):
- Kakheti (made using Kakheti technology).
- Shuamta (tart fruity taste).
- Tbilisuri (raw materials - a mixture of several grape varieties, a soft and delicate drink).
- Alaverdi (sweet fruity taste, served with goat cheese, fish).
Naturally semi-sweet (alcohol 9.5-11%, sugar 3-5%):
- Twishi (rich fruity aroma, opens slowly, so you should drink slowly).
- Akhmeta (floral and berry aftertaste).
- Tetra (nuances of mountain flowers, honey, served with dessert).
- Chhaveri (refreshing and invigorating).
- Savane (sweetness is especially pronounced).
- Alazani Valley (blend of several varieties of white grapes).
Red Georgian wines
Dry, vintage (alcohol 10-13%, sugar<0,3%):
- Mukuzani (suitable for sheep cheese, shish kebab, spicy dishes, has a thick bouquet with notes of ripe cherry and oak).
- Teliani (made from the Cabernet Sauvignon variety, the velvety taste contains nuances of violet and morocco).
- Napareuli (the bouquet consists of the flavors of red berries: currants, cherries).
- Kvareli (distinguished by its delicate and refined bouquet, in which the tones of red berries, freshly cut grass, and young greenery are felt).
Dry, ordinary: (alcohol 10-13%, sugar<0,3%):
- Saperavi (late, “autumn” wine with tones of prunes and black currants, goes well with meat and herbs).
Semi-dry (alcohol 10-13%, sugar 0.5-2.5%):
- Sachino (more pink than red, raw materials - berries from the western vineyards of Georgia).
- Pirosmani (made from the Saperavi variety, named after the famous Georgian artist, tastes like “drunk cherry”).
Naturally semi-sweet (alcohol 9.5-12%, sugar 3-5%):
- Khvanchkara (thick “raspberry” taste, fruity and floral tones, served with blue cheese, nuts, game).
- Kindzmarauli (vintage, complex tart bouquet, often served with dessert).
- Barakoni (fresh wine with notes of mountain violet, made from the autochthonous Mudzheretuli and Aleksandrouli varieties).
- Akhasheni (produced only in Eastern Georgia, near the village of the same name, in honor of which it received the name. The taste has notes of exotic fruits, goes well with desserts and cheese).
- Ojaleshi (made from the grape variety of the same name).
- Usakhelauri (made from a rare variety of the same name, distinct strawberry taste).
- Alazani Valley (in the “red” variation, the wine has tones of physalis and dogwood).
Sparkling wines of Georgia
Georgia has not yet given the world its “Champagne”, as famous as the French prototype or Spanish Cava, however, local variations of “fizzy” wines already exist (alcohol 9.5-12%, sugar 3-5%):
- Aisi (rose, a blend of several varieties).
- Atenuri (white, soft refreshing taste).
- Terjola (a very young wine - produced since 2005, named after the city in which it was born).
Strong and dessert
Many wines in this section are aged not in cellars, but under the scorching sun, and therefore acquire a “toasted” rich taste (alcohol 15-19%, sugar 7-10%):
- Anacha (white, similar to Madera).
- Kardanakhi (Georgian “port”, tastes like honey and bread).
- Marabda (fruity aroma, only 5% sugar).
- Saamo (honey notes, sugar content reaches 13%).
- Salkhino (At a strength of 15 degrees, it contains as much as 30% sugar. Thick liqueur with a rich bouquet: strawberries, creamy chocolate, caramel, quince and other fruits, buttery taste).
- Khikhvi (nutmeg nuances, sugar content – 18-20%).
Almost all of the wines listed are made from the Rkatsiteli variety.
It is impossible to imagine Georgia without this delicious drink. It seems as if God himself blessed the Georgian land to produce various wine varieties.
History of Georgian winemaking
Winemaking in Georgia was founded in the 10th century BC. e. It was during this period that the development of wine-growing areas began, the use of special tools for plowing, caring for vines, and harvesting grapes. Gradually, the methods of obtaining the drink were improved. Various production technologies were created, including Kakheti and Imeretian, which have survived to this day unchanged.
Already in those days, Georgian winemakers realized that the best wine is prepared only in qvevri - special vessels in the form of clay jugs. However, Georgia’s adoption of Christianity as a religion of national importance played a special role in the development of winemaking. As a result, wine acquired the character of a ritual drink.
We must pay tribute to the courage of the Georgian people, who did not give up their favorite pastime despite numerous invasions of conquerors. Each invader frantically sought to destroy the vineyards. But the inhabitants of the country found the strength to restore what was destroyed, develop new varieties of grapes and produce a drink that has become an object of culture in Georgia.
Today, the quality of wine products in the country is controlled at the legislative level. Control of the best varieties is carried out by origin, i.e. each Georgian drink has a production technology approved by law and can only be made from certain grape varieties grown in strictly defined regions. And every Georgian manufacturer must strictly follow these rules in order to have the right to call their products “Kindzmarauli” or “Mukuzani”, for example.
Well-known producers of Georgian wine products constantly confirm their title as the best winemakers, successfully combining ancient traditions and new technologies. They work tirelessly to optimize the production cycle: the distance between workshops and vineyards is reduced, new equipment is being introduced, and the cultivation of non-hybrid and indigenous varieties of Georgian grapes is being revived.
There are wineries all over the country, but most of them are concentrated in Kakheti. In general, the best Georgian wines are produced by the following brands, known throughout the world:
- JSC "Bagrationi" A producer who controls 75% of the country's wine market. Among the Georgian brands produced by the company, sparkling drinks are especially valued.
- “Noise.” This brand is distinguished by a closed production cycle. The company's owners grow and process grapes for raw materials, monitor ripening, bottling, and shipment.
- "Alaverdi Monastery Cellar". A producer with a colorful history, remaining faithful to wine production traditions for several centuries in a row.
- Chateau Mukhrani. This brand produces products that meet international quality standards, based on ultra-modern production technologies.
- "Kindzmarauli marani". The company was founded in 2000, although the history of the drink of the same name is much older. According to the requirements of local laws, the name of the grape variety, the place of production and the drink itself are the same.
- "Kimerioni". This is a young brand that produces drinks using European and traditional Kakhetian methods.
- Badagoni Georgia. The company has vineyards that occupy the best plantations in Georgia, and their total area is 300 hectares.
Which Georgian wine to choose?
There are many varieties of wines on the wine market, but not all of them are worthwhile drinks. To choose real wine (vintage) from Georgian winemakers, you need to know the names of famous varieties and their characteristics.
Names of the best wines of Georgia
The most popular dry white wines of Georgian winemakers:
- "Tibaani." Made from the Rkatsiteli variety. Amber color. The aroma is rich varietal, with hints of tea rose. The taste is velvety.
- "Tsinandali". Produced from Rkatsiteli and Mtsvane grapes. The color is light golden. The aroma is bright floral, with light notes of honey. The taste is full and soft.
- "Rkatsiteli". The color is dark amber. The taste is full, with a soft tartness. The aroma includes tones of tea rose and rich fruity notes.
- "Gurjaani". Sand color. The aroma has a delicate bitterness and light spicy notes. The grapes used for production are identical to “Tsinandali”.
- "Kvareli". Obtained from Saperavi grapes. The aroma is a complex varietal. The taste is delicate and harmonious. The color is rich red.
- "Saperavi". This name is widely popular in the world. Made from the grape variety of the same name. The aroma is strong varietal, with hints of black currant. The taste is moderately tart, with a slight bitterness. Color - dark garnet.
- "Mukuzani." Produced from the Saperavi variety. The color is dark garnet. The bouquet is bright varietal, with shades of cherry pits and black currants. The taste is extractive, round.
- "Pirosmani". Produced from red Saperavi grapes. Dark garnet color. The aroma is varietal, with notes of cherry liqueur. The taste is fresh, with a piquant softness.
- "Barakoni". Obtained from the Aleksandrouli and Mudzheretuli varieties. The color is bright garnet. Aroma of mountain violet and varietal tones.
The most famous brands of white and red semi-sweet wines:
- "Chkhaveri" - white semi-sweet. Made from berries of the same variety. The color is slightly pinkish. The taste is soft with a subtle floral-honey aftertaste.
- "Khvanchkara" - red semi-sweet. The best brand among the most ancient representatives of Kakheti wines. Produced from Mudzheretuli and Aleksandrouli grapes. The aroma is varietal, there are tones of raspberry, mountain violet, velvet rose. The color is garnet with a purple tint. The taste is velvety.
- "Kindzmarauli" - red semi-sweet. Obtained from the Saperavi variety. The color is dark garnet. The taste is round. Aroma with notes of cherry pit and black currant.
Tips for choosing
In search of the best wine, you should study the assortment not of the nearest supermarket, but of a specialized wine store. Qualified wine consultants work here to help you choose a really good bottle. Our recommendations should also help you make the right choice.
Please read the label carefully before making a purchase. The wine must be produced and bottled in Georgia. It is better to give preference to products from a well-known company, since large manufacturers strictly monitor quality. Although today many small firms or even private winemakers have appeared in Georgia, which produce drinks of excellent quality, they are more expensive than those from large producers.
It is advisable to choose varietal wines made from one grape variety.
And finally, remember: a well-known brand of wine from Georgia cannot be cheap, while even the grapes from which it is obtained are more expensive.