Georgian Varietals

Outstanding and distinctive, Saperavi is the leading red variety in Georgia. It is one of the few teinturier grapes (red flesh and red skin) in the world. Its name means “place of color”. It produces wines that can be deep purple, almost black and opaque. The palate associated with this grape varietal is intense dark berries, spices, tobacco and chocolate. Saperavi wines are distinct from other reds due to its unique character and intensity. The intensity of Saperavi can vary from light, by pressing and/or blending with others varietals such as Aleksandrouli, to intensely rich and dark via extensive skin contact.

This varietal originates and thrives on the sunny southern, calcareous slopes of the Caucasus Mountains in the Racha Region of Western Georgia. This grape requires a longer growing season and ripens late in the season. This varietal produces wines that can be dry or semi-sweet. When it is combined with the Mujuretuli grape (from the same vineyard), it produces the famed Khvanchkara naturally semi-sweet red wine. With low tannins, it tastes amazingly soft, with aromas of raspberry and cherry.

This is a Mtsvane grape grown in the Kartli region of Georgia. It ripens late and produces spirited white wines characterized by lime, wildflowers and honey. It is often blended with Chinuri, also from Kartli.

A defining variety of white grapes since the 19th century, Tsolikouri is a West Georgian Imereti varietal. It ripens late and yields full-bodied, light clear to straw-colored wines with citrus, yellow fruit, white plum and floral aromas. Wines made with Tsolikouri grapes are well suited for aging and the variety is also used to produce sparkling wine. Tsolikouri from Tvishi PDO is also made in to a semi-sweet white and given its PDO namesake Tvishi.Tsolikouri

A dark pink skinned grape, this varietal is mostly found in the western regions of Georgia – Guria and Adjara. This too is a late ripening grape which is typically harvested in late November. It produces soft, harmonious wines with aromas of light fruits.

This grape dates back to the 1st century and is the most produced grape in Georgia. It is acidic but is balanced by a white full flavor and body. Green apple and peach flavors gain complexity when fermented in Qvevri. This grape is popularly mixed with Mtsvane and other white varietals.

This Kakheti regional Mtsvane variety and distinctive production method dates back several centuries. It is early to ripen, produces a light body, but full character wine with distinctive aromas. ‘Kakhuri’ refers specifically to the production method used which uses extended time honored techniques with skin contact and qvevri.

Kisi ripens early and is produced in both the classic European style and traditional Georgian methods. It has unforgettable aromas and flavors, especially when made in Qvevri. It is characterized by ripe pear, marigold, tobacco and walnut flavors.

This grape ripens in September and produces a relatively small number of berries and is known to accumulate sugar (brix) well. It is made into both classic European style wines as well as traditional, Qvevri-made wines. With its ripe fruit profile, it also makes superb dessert wines.

This is a bright, energetic and harmonious sparkling rosé wine. Made from 100% Saperavi grapes from Artana and Napareuli in the Kakati region. Each bottle has its own character, slightly different from the other as all the winemaking is done by hand. The aroma shows notes of black and red berries. The taste is rich and powerful with balanced acidity and a long dry aftertaste of strawberries and blackberries. Saperavi Rosé is perfect as an aperitif or with light snacks.

This is a well-structured sparkling wine with its own individuality and complexity. Made from 90% Mtsvane and 10% Rkatsiteli grapes from Didi Chailuri, Manavi in the Kakheti region of Georgia, has a light straw color with a persistent effervescense. The aroma is bright and fresh, showing hints of flowers, cookies, pears and mandarines. The taste is delicate and fruity with balanced acidty and a long creamy aftertaste. This wine is the perfect aperitif and also pairs well with light snacks.

This is an energetic, crispy and completely dry sparkling wine with delicate aromas of flowers. Salt and silky spices are enjoyed in the taste. Made from Tsolikouri and Tsitksa grapes from the Imeriti region of Georgia, this wine has long lasting and deep aftertastes. It is ideal with fish dishes and white sauces.

Named for the color of olive tree leaves, the Chinuri variety is abundant and ripens late in the season. Characterized by hints of wild mint and forest pear with notes of vegetation and fruit, Churi grapes are well suited to the production of sparkling wines. Particularly well known are the sparkling Atenuri wines, distinguished by their green or straw-colored hue and their softness on the palate.