Georgian wine

Often referred to as the birthplace of wine, Georgia is responsible for making some of the world’s most exciting and complex wines. With a winemaking heritage that dates back around 8,000 years, Georgia uses many native grapes, including Tavkveri and Chinuri, to create its distinctive wines.

Wine is produced across Georgia, and each area lends its unique touch to the tradition of Georgian wine. Kakheti is Georgia’s most prominent wine region, accounting for nearly 70% of the country’s wine production. Located in the eastern part of the country, Kakheti is known for its dry wines and is the home of the Saperavi and Rkatsiteli grapes.

What makes Georgian wine so special is its unique fermenting and ageing process. Traditionally, the wine is left to ferment and age in clay vessels known as ‘Qvevri’, buried in the ground. This ancient technique is recognised by UNESCO as a significant part of the country’s cultural heritage. Many winemakers continue to use this technique alongside more contemporary methods.

As deep and complex as the country’s long history, Georgian wine appeals to all – from seasoned connoisseurs to those just beginning their wine journey. There are various styles to explore, from bold reds to complex ambers and crisp whites. Try a glass of Saperavi or Rkatsiteli and discover the charm of Georgia’s wines.

With a winemaking history dating back over 8,000 years, Georgia is hailed as the oldest wine-producing region in the world.

Archaeological evidence, including ancient wine vessels and grape seeds, has been traced back to the Neolithic era. Georgians were some of the first people in the world to cultivate grapes and turn them into wine.

Like many other European countries, wine is a crucial part of Georgian culture, yet winemakers have suffered setbacks over the years. The country’s vineyards suffered from the phylloxera outbreak in the 1800s, and some Georgian vineyards halved production during Gorbachev’s anti-alcohol campaign between 1985 and 1988.

However, the industry has since bounced back, and the country is now gaining international recognition for its wines. With more than 400 indigenous grape varieties, Georgia’s wine scene is dynamic and diverse, with winemakers focused on the quality and variety of their native grapes and traditional winemaking methods.

Georgia is home to many native red and white grape varieties – there are approximately 400 – however, only 38 varieties are grown for larger-scale commercial winemaking.

Saperavi is the most important and widely planted red grape variety in Georgia. Its home is the eastern Kakheti region, Georgia’s largest wine region. There, Saperavi grapes create hearty, deeply coloured wines with black fruit flavours and a high level of acidity that makes these wines perfect for ageing.

Another native red variety is Tavkveri, which is found in the Kakheti wine region and the Kartli region. Tavkveri red wines are more delicate and less tannic than Saperavi, with notes of raspberry. They are also used to create premium rosés.

Georgia is home to one of the oldest white grape varieties in the world – Rkatsiteli. Rkatsiteli wines can vary in style, but they typically have citrus and blossom notes and a high acidity.

Mtsvane Kakhuri grapes are often blended with Rkatsiteli to create light, crisp dry white wines full of green and mineral notes.

In the Kartli wine region, Chinuri grapes create acidic and fresh white wines with zesty citrus flavours. Over time, these slightly sparkling young wines become deeper and more complex.

Georgian wines are made from indigenous grape varieties known for their distinct characteristics.

Saperavi is the star of Georgia’s red wine industry. Saperavi wines are deeply coloured and full-bodied with high acidity and offer robust flavours of blackberries, cherries and plums, with spicy and smoky notes when aged in oak. Interestingly, Saperavi is a teinturier grape, meaning the skin and flesh are red, contributing to the wine’s intense colour and structure.

For white wines, Rkatsiteli and Mtsvane are standout varieties. Rkatsiteli grapes create wines that are high in acidity with flavours ranging from fresh apple and quince to dried fruit and honey, especially when aged in Qvevri (traditional clay vessels buried in the ground). Mtsvane is often blended with Rkatsiteli but also shines on its own. Its green fruit and floral notes, lively acidity and mineral notes make Mtsvane a fresh and vibrant option for white wine lovers.

Georgia’s unique winemaking method, which involves fermenting the white grapes with their skins, results in ‘amber’ wines, also known as orange wines. These wines have the texture and body of red wines but the aromatic profile of white wines.

Georgian rosé wines, while not as popular as red or amber wines, have a growing presence. Typically made from grapes like Tavkveri or Saperavi, Georgian rosé has a balance of fresh red fruit flavours (typically raspberry and strawberry) and the vibrant acidity wines from this country are known for. Together, these two create refreshing and versatile food-friendly wines.

With their range of styles and food-friendly, characteristic acidity, Georgian wines are delicious when enjoyed on their own but are also well-suited for serving alongside a meal.

A full-bodied, bold red, such as Saperavi, partners well with rich and hearty dishes. Grilled meats are an ideal choice with Saperavi. Try a glass with a bowl of Chakapuli, a traditional and robust Georgian beef stew, for a classic pairing.

Tavkveri is lighter and more delicate than Saperavi. Its juicy red fruit flavours make it a delicious accompaniment to roast pork or chicken, light pasta dishes with tomato sauces, sushi, soft cheeses and grilled vegetables.

A full-bodied Rkatsiteli is a delight with grilled white fish or a creamy, indulgent risotto. If you want to drink it like the Georgians, have a glass with some Khachapuri – a traditional Georgian cheese-filled bread.

If light seafood or fresh salads are on the menu, opt for a glass of modern-style Mtsvane Kakhuri, with its complementary crisp acidity and citrus and pear notes.