When you think of Old World wines, the rolling hills of Tuscany or the renowned vineyards of Bordeaux may come to mind. However, neither of those are the birthplace of wine — that title belongs to Georgia, a tiny country nestled in the Caucasus region at the intersection of Eastern Europe and Western Asia — not to be confused with the U.S. state of Georgia. In addition to its 8,000-plus years of unique winemaking history that has been recognized by UNESCO, Georgia is known for its warm hospitality, striking mountain ranges, and khachapuri, a rich and buttery cheese-filled bread (best paired with a glass of Saperavi, a robust red wine, like this 2016 Saperavi Reserve).
What Makes Georgian Wine Unique?
What sets Georgian wine apart from that of other Old World wine regions its unique winemaking method. Traditional Georgian wine is fermented, matured, and stored in qvevris, giant egg-shaped clay vessels that are among the earliest examples of winemaking technology. In this process, grapes are crushed and put into a beeswax-lined qvevri, with skins, seeds, and sometimes stems, where they are fermented without intervention, relying on naturally occurring yeast. During this process, the qvevris are located underground to maintain a consistent temperature. Fermentation takes roughly three weeks, after which the qvevri is sealed and the wine is left to mature for several months.
This differs from winemaking in other countries, where stainless steel or oak barrels are commonly used for aging, often without extended skin contact. Commercial yeasts and sulfites are typically added as well. Today, modern Georgian winemaking employs both the traditional qvevri technique and the “classic” or European-style method.
Types of Georgian Wine
Georgia features over 500 indigenous grape varieties — accounting for more than one-sixth of all grape varieties worldwide. This incredible diversity allows the country to produce a wide range of wines, from dry to sweet to sparkling, catering to virtually every palate.
Amber Wine
Georgia is renowned for its amber wine, also known as orange wine, for its deep golden hues, the color being a result of using white grapes with prolonged skin contact. Amber wine is typically dry, and more robust than white wine but less intense than many reds. It’s celebrated for its complex flavor profile, which includes notes of honey, nuts, herbs, and fruit, like this 2017 Khikhvi Qvevri, which pairs well with creamy dishes, lamb, hard cheeses, and eggplant.
White Wine
Georgian white wines are usually light- to medium-bodied, known for their bright acidity, moderate alcohol levels, and versatility. The most common white grape variety in Georgia is Rkatsiteli, which is often used to make dry wines known for their distinct green apple aroma.
Another popular white varietal is kisi, known for its notes of pineapple, grapefruit, melon, and long finish, as showcased in this 2020 bottle of Kisi. For a slightly sweeter white, look for wines of the mtsvane variety, which are known for being floral and aromatic, with notes of honey and citrus. Georgian white wines pair best with fresh seafood, poultry, and vegetable dishes.
Red Wine
Georgian red wines range from semi-sweet to dry, and are known for being full-bodied and tannic, with the highest alcohol content among wines from the region. The most common red grape variety in Georgia is saperavi, which is one of the world’s few teinturier grapes, meaning that both the skin and flesh are red, resulting in the wine’s deep hue.
Saperavi wines have a complex flavor profile, with notes of black cherry, black currant, and spice, and are best paired with grilled meats, hearty stews, and spicy dishes. For those interested in trying saperavi, this bottle of Saperavi is accessible in both price and taste profile, with inviting aromas of cinnamon and pepper.
Georgian red wine also comes in many semi-sweet varieties, like this bottle of Khvanchkara, a blend of alexandrouli and mujuretuli grapes with notes of vanilla and cherries.
Rosé
Georgian rosé is typically a blend that includes Saperavi, such as this Rosé Sec from the Silk Road lineup, which showcases aromas of red and green berries. A secondary fermentation adds light, gentle bubbles, making it the perfect choice for brunch.
Top Georgian Wine Regions
Georgia, which is roughly the size of West Virginia, has six prominent and unique wine regions scattered throughout the country, each with its own distinct climate, terroir, and grape varieties. Two of the most renowned are Kakheti and Kartli.
Kakheti
Kakheti, often regarded as the heart of Georgian winemaking, is the country’s most famous wine region, celebrated for its rich viticultural heritage and diverse grape varieties. Located in the eastern part of Georgia, it benefits from a warm climate, fertile soils, and the presence of the Greater Caucasus mountains, which create a unique microclimate ideal for grape cultivation. The region is home to several indigenous grape varieties, including the renowned Saperavi and Rkatsiteli. Kakheti’s picturesque landscape is dotted with sprawling vineyards, ancient monasteries, and charming villages, making it the most popular destination for wine tourism in Georgia.
Kartli
While not as well known as Kakheti, Kartli is consistently listed as among the world’s most beautiful wine regions. Situated in the center of the country near the capital of Tbilisi and bisected by the river Kura, Kartli is known for diverse terroirs, varying altitude levels, and sun exposure. This diversity allows for the cultivation of various grape varieties, enabling winemakers to craft a broad spectrum of wines, from crisp whites to robust reds. Kartli is experiencing something of a renaissance, with a focus on sustainable and organic winemaking and renewed interest in local varieties like chinuri, takveri, and shavkapito.
Order Your Bottle of Georgian Wine Today
For oenophiles and casual drinkers alike, Georgian wine offers a distinctive blend of ancient winemaking traditions and diverse grape varieties, showcasing rich flavors and distinct profiles that appeal to a variety of tastes.
Silk Road Wines is a veteran-owned importer and distributor of natural Georgian wine based in Orlando, Florida. They provide a wide range of wines that are both accessible and budget-friendly, ensuring there’s something for every palate.
Explore Silk Road’s offerings and elevate your wine experience — order a bottle today to discover what makes Georgian wine making so special today.