Georgia is a country that takes its wine seriously. In fact, it's known as the birthplace of wine, with a history of winemaking that dates back over 8,000 years. It's no surprise, then, that Georgian wine is some of the best in the world. In this guide, we'll take a look at what makes Georgian wine so special and highlight some of the best wines to try.
The Georgian Wine Experience
Drinking wine in Georgia is an experience unlike any other. The country's winemaking traditions are deeply ingrained in its culture, and many Georgians still make wine the same way their ancestors did thousands of years ago. The wine is often served in clay vessels called qvevri, which are buried underground to keep the wine cool. This traditional winemaking method gives Georgian wine a unique flavor and character that you won't find anywhere else.
When you visit Georgia, you'll have the opportunity to experience this winemaking tradition firsthand. Many wineries offer tours and tastings, where you can learn about the winemaking process and sample some of the best wines the country has to offer. You can also attend wine festivals, such as the Tbilisi Wine Festival, which takes place every October and features wines from all over the country.
The Grapes
Georgia is home to over 500 grape varieties, many of which are indigenous to the region. Some of the most popular grape varieties used in Georgian winemaking include:
- Saperavi: a dark-skinned grape that's used to make full-bodied red wines.
- Rkatsiteli: a white grape that's used to make dry white wines and orange wines (white wines made with extended skin contact).
- Kisi: a white grape that's used to make dry white wines with a rich, full-bodied flavor.
- Mtsvane: a white grape that's used to make dry white wines with a floral aroma and crisp acidity.
Each grape variety has its own unique characteristics, and winemakers in Georgia use a variety of techniques to bring out the best in each grape. For example, some winemakers age their wines in qvevri, while others use oak barrels for aging. Some winemakers also use skin contact to give their white wines a deeper color and more complex flavor.
The Wine Regions
Georgia has several wine regions, each with its own unique climate, soil, and winemaking traditions. Some of the most notable wine regions include:
- Kakheti: located in eastern Georgia, Kakheti is the country's largest wine region and is known for its dry red wines made from the Saperavi grape.
- Kartli: located in central Georgia, Kartli is known for its dry white wines made from the Rkatsiteli grape.
- Imereti: located in western Georgia, Imereti is known for its dry white wines made from the Tsolikouri and Krakhuna grapes.
Each wine region has its own distinct character, and the wines produced there reflect the unique terroir of the region. For example, wines from Kakheti are often full-bodied and rich, while wines from Kartli are typically crisp and refreshing.
The Wines
Georgian wine comes in a wide variety of styles, from dry reds to sweet whites. Here are some of the best wines to try:
Saperavi
Saperavi is one of Georgia's most popular grape varieties, and it's used to make some of the country's best red wines. Saperavi wines are typically full-bodied and rich, with flavors of blackberry, plum, and spice. Some of the best Saperavi wines to try include:
- Teliani Valley Saperavi: a full-bodied red wine with flavors of blackberry, cherry, and vanilla.
- Khareba Saperavi: a dry red wine with flavors of black cherry, blackcurrant, and tobacco.
Rkatsiteli
Rkatsiteli is a white grape that's used to make dry white wines and orange wines. Rkatsiteli wines are typically crisp and refreshing, with flavors of green apple, lemon, and honey. Some of the best Rkatsiteli wines to try include:
- Pheasant's Tears Rkatsiteli: an orange wine with flavors of dried apricot, honey, and spice.
- Tbilvino Rkatsiteli Qvevri: a dry white wine with flavors of green apple, pear, and lemon.
Kisi
Kisi is a white grape that's used to make dry white wines with a rich, full-bodied flavor. Kisi wines are typically aged in qvevri, which gives them a unique flavor and character. Some of the best Kisi wines to try include:
- Orgo Kisi: a dry white wine with flavors of apricot, peach, and honey.
- Gotsa Family Wines Kisi: a dry white wine with flavors of pear, quince, and honey.
Mtsvane
Mtsvane is a white grape that's used to make dry white wines with a floral aroma and crisp acidity. Mtsvane wines are typically aged in qvevri, which gives them a unique flavor and character. Some of the best Mtsvane wines to try include:
- Tbilvino Mtsvane Qvevri: a dry white wine with flavors of green apple, pear, and lemon.
- Shalauri Mtsvane: a dry white wine with flavors of apricot, peach, and honey.
Pairing Georgian Wine with Food
Georgian wine is a great accompaniment to many different types of food. Here are some of the best food and wine pairings to try:
- Saperavi: pairs well with grilled meats, stews, and hearty pasta dishes.
- Rkatsiteli: pairs well with seafood, salads, and light pasta dishes.
- Kisi: pairs well with spicy foods, grilled meats, and strong cheeses.
- Mtsvane: pairs well with fish, chicken, and light salads.
Conclusion
Georgian wine is some of the best in the world, with a unique flavor and character that's unlike anything else. Whether you're a fan of reds, whites, or orange wines, there's a Georgian wine out there for you. So why not give it a try and experience the magic of Georgian winemaking for yourself?