Sparkling wine has long been synonymous with celebrations, gatherings, special occasions, and brunch — who doesn’t love a mimosa every now and then? Known for its effervescence — the bubbly effect — and elegance, it’s also a staple at holiday tables and a go-to for gifting. What sets Georgian sparkling wine apart from its more well-known counterparts like Champagne and Prosecco is that it’s rooted in 8,000-year-old ancient winemaking techniques, combining tradition with modern methods. It’s also known for being home to some of

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What Is Sparkling Wine?

Wine from any grape variety can technically become sparkling, as the process relies on fermentation rather than the grape itself. During a secondary fermentation, yeast consumes added sugar, producing alcohol and carbon dioxide, which creates the signature bubbles when trapped in a sealed bottle. When the bottle is opened, the dissolved carbon dioxide escapes, creating the fizz that defines sparkling wines.

There are several different methods to making sparkling wine, including: 

The Traditional Method

This is known as the premier method in terms of quality of wine — in fact, it was awarded UNESCO heritage in Champagne in 2015. The traditional method involves secondary fermentation in the bottle, where the wine is aged on its lees (the sediment left from the yeast) for a period to build depth and texture, enhancing the wine’s mouthfeel and complexity. For example, Champagne must be aged for at least 15 months, while Cava requires a minimum of nine. In general, longer aging during this stage enhances the wine’s overall character. After this time, the bottles are turned upside down to collect and remove the dead yeast.

The Charmat Method

Also known as the tank method, this involves fermenting wine in a large pressurized tank rather than individual bottles. After fermentation, the wine is filtered, sweetened, and bottled right away. This method results in fresh, fruit-forward wines, like Prosecco and Lambrusco.

The Ancestral Method

Here, the grapes ferment almost all the way, at which point they are bottled and sealed with a crown cap. Unlike the other methods, sugar and yeast are not added a second time, which results in a slightly lower level of carbonation. In some instances, winemakers disgorge the dead yeast, but many do not, resulting in a cloudy appearance. This type of sparkling wine is known as Pet-Nat, or Pétillant Naturel.

Carbonation

In some cases, gentle carbonation is added to create semi-sparkling wines, ideal for those who prefer a lighter fizz.

Qvevri Fermentation

Some Georgian producers employ the ancient Qvevri method, where the wine ferments in large clay vessels buried underground. The Qvevri method enhances the wine’s natural minerality and adds an earthy quality. 

Different Types of Sparkling Wine

Sparkling wines are typically categorized by their sweetness levels, which are determined by the residual sugar left after fermentation. This can vary based on the winemaking method and desired style of the wine. The common categories are:

• Extra Brut: The driest style, with almost no residual sugar. 
• Brut: Popular for its dryness with a hint of sweetness Champagne is commonly labeled Brut.
• Extra Dry: A bit sweeter than Brut. Prosecco is commonly made in this style.
• Demi-Sec: Sweet sparkling wines that are often paired with desserts. 

Georgian sparkling wines come in a variety of styles that reflect the unique regional grape varieties and winemaking methods:

• Fully Sparkling – Carbonated wines with strong bubbles.
• Semi-Sparkling – Wines with a softer effervescence.
• Sweet vs. Dry – Georgian sparkling wines offer both dry and sweet varieties.

The Most Popular Georgian Grape Varieties for Sparkling Wine

Georgian wines are distinct due to the region’s more than 500 types of indigenous grape varieties, and the fact that the country is known as the birthplace of wine. Some of the most commonly used include:

• • Chinuri – Due to its naturally high acidity, Chinuri grapes are known for producing crisp sparkling wines with notes of green apple and pear.
  • Tsitska – A white grape used to produce light, floral sparkling wines. It’s known for producing high-quality champagne-style wines, especially prominent in the hilly regions of upper Imereti.
  • Aladasturi – Known for its versatility, Aladasturi produces bright, lively wines that are often semi-sparkling.
  • Tavkveri – A red grape often seen in sparkling rosé varieties.

• Tsolikouri – is a white wine grape variety grown in every region of Western Georgia, and popular for making high-quality semi-sweet and sparkling wines. 

Pairing Georgian Sparkling Wine

Georgian sparkling wines are incredibly versatile and pair well with various dishes:

• Brut and Extra Brut – Ideal with seafood, salty dishes, soft cheeses, caviar, oysters, or charcuterie.
• Sweet and Semi-Sweet – Pairs well with fresh fruit, desserts, or dishes that are a combination of sweet and spicy.
• Rosé Sparkling Wines – Excellent with grilled dishes, roasted meats, or Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

Featured Products from Silk Road Wines

Silk Road Wines offers a curated selection of traditional Georgian sparkling wines. Here are a few highlights:

• • Extra Brut ($17.99): A crisp, dry, acidic semi-sparkling wine notable for its aromas of fresh nuts, yellow berries and green apple. It pairs well with grilled seafood, salads with citrus dressing and soft cheeses. It can also make a nice accompaniment to fatty foods like foie gras and cured meats.  
  • Rosé Sec ($17.99): This dry semi-sparkling wine is made from a blend of 70% Rkatsiteli and 30% Saperavi grapes from Kakheti and is notable for its aromas of red and green berries. It pairs well with tapas, grilled poultry, mild curries, and soft cheeses like brie, camembert, and goat.

• Amber Sec ($17.99): This dry semi-sparkling wine starts its fermentation process in a traditional qvevri, giving it a rich, earthy minerality that complements its fresh, natural acidity. Notable for its aromas of dried yellow and white stone fruits, especially dried peaches and apricots, it has a smooth, balanced finish and pairs well with grilled lamb, grilled vegetables, hummus and other mezze dishes, and spicy foods.

Experience Georgian Sparkling Wine – Order Your Bottle Now

Whether you’re new to sparkling wines or a seasoned enthusiast, Georgian sparkling wines offer a unique and exciting experience. With their rich history, distinct grape varieties, and time-honored winemaking techniques, they stand apart from the average bottle of bubbly.

Silk Road Wines is a veteran-owned importer and distributor of natural Georgian wine based in Orlando, Florida. Explore its offerings and choose the perfect sparkling wine for the upcoming holiday season.