As wine drinkers increasingly seek out natural options and new varieties, many are turning to Georgia, a small country with more than 8,000 years of winemaking history and diverse terroirs, which has remained largely undiscovered until recently. Georgian wine is unique in its continued use of the ancient qvevri method, in which grapes — along with their skins, seeds, and sometimes stems — are fermented and aged in large, egg-shaped clay vessels buried underground. This natural process relies on wild yeast and minimal intervention, resulting in distinctive, deeply expressive wines. Today, the country’s winemakers also employ European methods of production such as oak barrels and stainless steel tanks. The result is a diverse range of high-quality wines, including full-bodied reds, crisp, acidic whites, and earthy, complex amber varieties. Read on to discover how to choose Georgian wine that perfectly suits your taste.
Understanding Georgian Wine Varieties
When it comes to Georgian red wines, expect bold, rich flavors with a deep, complex character. The Saperavi grape reigns supreme, and while it’s most well-known for producing its namesake wine, it also plays a key role in many other varieties, including Kindzmarauli and Mukuzani. Saperavi wine — the country’s most popular — is prized for its robust dark fruit flavors, complexity, and a tannic structure that gives it excellent aging potential. Kindzmarauli, which is made from 100% Saperavi grapes from the Kindzmarauli appellation controlled microzone, is a semi-sweet wine known for its smooth balance of ripe fruit flavors and subtle sweetness.
Georgian white wines are known for their crisp structure, bright acidity, fresh citrus notes, and a wide range of floral and herbal aromas. Among the most popular varieties are Rkatsiteli, Mtsvane, and Kisi. Silk Road offers a premium 2020 Kisi vintage, which is medium-bodied and dry with notes of pineapple, grapefruit, and melon.
Next, there’s the country’s iconic amber wine, its deep golden hue a result of fermenting white grapes with their skins intact. Typically produced using the qvevri method, this style yields a rich, textured wine with complex tannins, deep fruit flavors, and distinctive earthy notes.
Having an understanding of these different varieties is essential when learning how to pick a good Georgian wine.
What to Look for When Buying Georgian Wine
With more than 500 indigenous grape varieties, Georgia produces a vast array of options. Understanding what to look for when buying wine can help you choose the perfect bottle. Beyond choosing between red and white, which often depends on personal preference, meal pairings, and seasonality, other factors like grape variety, production method, and sweetness level can further guide your selection. Georgian wine is typically dry, but a few semi-sweet varieties stand out, including Kindzmarauli, Khvanchkara, Ojaleshi, Tvishi, and Akhasheni. Next, decide whether you prefer wine made using the European method or the traditional qvevri technique, the latter known for its bold tannins, earthy depth, and distinctive, funky character.
When selecting a Georgian wine, it’s important to consider the appellations and regions, such as Kakheti, Imereti, and Kartli, each offering wines with unique characteristics shaped by their distinct terroirs. For instance, Kakheti is known for its bold, full-bodied reds made from the Saperavi grape, while Imereti is celebrated for its crisp, aromatic whites like Tsolikouri. Reading Georgian wine labels is an easy way to learn about a bottle’s unique characteristics, including its vintage, alcohol content, producer, and Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), which guarantees that the wine was produced in a specific region using local methods and that it meets high-quality standards associated with that particular area. Knowing how to tell if wine is high quality can help you make a more informed decision when selecting a bottle.
Where to Buy Georgian Wine
Are these Georgian wine selection tips making you curious to try some for yourself? While the country is gaining global attention in the tourism world, there are simpler ways to secure a bottle than booking an international flight. Online retailers, such as Silk Road Wines, ship directly to consumers, making it convenient to enjoy Georgian wines at home. You can also find selections at wine shops and specialty stores that carry international wine. Many restaurants and wine bars, especially those with sommelier-curated wine lists, have added Georgian varieties to their menus — or you can simply visit a Georgian restaurant to pair the country’s wines with iconic dishes like khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) or khinkali (brothy meat dumplings).
Best Food Pairings for Georgian Wines
In terms of food pairings, the general rule of thumb is that red wines pair well with hearty meats like steak and lamb, while white wines complement lighter dishes such as seafood, poultry, and salads, and that holds true for Georgian varieties. Amber wines, which are in a league of their own, are intensely flavored and should be paired with similarly bold dishes, including spiced meats, aged cheeses, rich stews, and even pizza, as their acidity and complexity cut through the richness of the cheese and toppings, enhancing the flavors. Additionally, Georgian wine pairs beautifully with grilled meat — white for poultry and red for richer cuts — cheeses, with bold reds complementing aged varieties and whites pairing well with creamy selections — and, of course, Georgian cuisine, which is heavily influenced by bold, savory flavors and aromatic spices.
How to fully enjoy and drink Georgian Wine
You have all the tips for buying Georgian wine, but to fully enjoy it, you need to know how to serve and taste it properly. Red wine should generally be served at room temperature (about 60-65°F) in a wide-bowled glass, which allows the wine to breathe and enhance its complex aromas and flavors. White wine should be served chilled, typically between 45-50°F, in a narrow glass to preserve its crispness and emphasize its refreshing, fruity notes. Orange wine should be served in a wide-bowled glass, similar to red wine, to allow it to breathe and the aromas to develop fully. The ideal serving temperature ranges from room temperature to slightly chilled, depending on its body and structure.
When it comes to tasting the wine, you’ll want to follow the seven S’s of wine tasting to fully appreciate its flavors. Start by observing the wine’s color and swirling it to release aromas, then take a sip, savoring the unique characteristics before deciding if it’s the right bottle for you. For best results, store unopened bottles of Georgian wine in a cool, dark place on their side to prevent the cork from drying out.
Try Georgian Wine Today
Georgia’s winemaking history and unique methods make its wines a must-try for any enthusiast. From bold reds to crisp whites to earthy amber wines, there is something for everyone. Wondering where to buy Georgian wine online? Check out Silk Road, a veteran-owned importer with a curated yet affordable selection of Georgia’s finest wines.