A Guide to the Kartli Wine Region and Its Unique Terroirs

The Kartli wine region may not be the most famous name in Georgia’s winemaking history, but as it strives to recapture its heritage, it’s emerging as a truly unique region. 

Home to the capital city of Tbilisi, Kartli’s vineyards are found outside the city’s limits, amongst hills with varying altitudes and mixed soils. 

Sharing borders with Kakheti, Imereti, and Meskheti, it uses many typical Georgian wine-making traditions but has its own proud character – including the sparkling wine, Chinuri. Strikingly, the relatively small region has multiple sub-regions that bring uniquely different terroir. 

The beautiful and historically proud Kartli Georgian wine region is also growing in reputation for refined, high-acidity wines that any wine enthusiast should be encouraged to learn about and try.

The Unique Terroirs of the Kartli Wine Region

Kartli boasts diverse terroirs, found in three main regions: Kvemo Kartli, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, and Shida Kartli. Each region has a distinct climate due to a variety of soil types and elevation changes between 450 and 700 meters. 

Generally, the soils across the province are loose sandstone and non-carbonate sandstone. However, there are also pockets of calcareous sandstone and calcareous clays and loams. 

While all these factors create a unique blend, it’s sun exposure that is Kartli’s most important quality. With south-facing slopes and close proximity to rivers, Kartli’s finest vineyards receive an enormous amount of sunlight and a healthy amount of airflow. 

This all results in Kartli wines being naturally fresh, middleweight wines with moderate alcohol levels and a fine minerality thread.

Kvemo Kartli and Bolnisi PDO

South of the Georgian capital city, Tbilisi, is the Kvemo Kartli region and the town of Bolnisi. It was founded as Katharinenfeld by immigrant families from Swabia (today’s Southern Germany), with many of the families keen winegrowers. 

By the 1840s, the area was internationally recognized for its fine Georgian grape varieties producing quality wine. Over time, the region’s wine heritage all but disappeared, but as of today, it is proudly rebuilding and now has dozens of producers that are protected by new regulations. 

The region’s vineyards are located between 500 and 800 meters in altitude, on both sides of the Masahvera River, with soil composition varying greatly depending on how close a plot is to the river. 

Mtskheta-Mtianeti

The Mtskheta-Mtianeti is on a path back to its former glory, with many high-yielding vineyards producing sweetish still and sparkling wines. The beautiful region’s cool breezes combine well with the typically warmer climate.

Shida Kartli

Head Northwest of Tbilisi and you’ll find the region of Shida Kartli and its mostly dry-farmed vineyards. To many experts, the high-altitude and hilly Tserovani offers the best vineyards than those close to the Ksani River. 

Grape Varieties & The Best Georgian Wines from Kartli 

As a result of the different terroir, a trio of grape varieties are found across Kartli: Tavkveri, Chinuri, and Goruli Mtsvane.

The Kartli wine country produces wine typically fresher and more structured than the more tannic and complex-tasting varieties in the nearby Kakhetian. Kartli wines also tend to be lighter and comparable to the style of those from Burgundy. 

Like much of Georgia, the Kartli wine region utilizes the long-standing tradition of Qvevris. These large earthenware pots are buried underground, and packed with grapes to allow for fermentation and wine aging. 

It’s a method recognized by UNESCO and allows for a more natural temperature regulation. The result? Complex and structured wines that are unique to modern productions. 

Takveri

Native to Georgia, the Takveri is the symbol of Kartli’s winemaking heritage. The red grape is often nicknamed the ‘hammerhead’ and is very adaptable to Kartli’s humid climate and vast sunlight exposure. 

Takveri is suitable for various Kartli red wine styles, typically bringing an easy-drinking character at a young age. You can expect red and dark fruit aromas, with balsamic or earthy notes.

Chinuri

Chinuri plays a vital role in many of Kartli’s vineyards and thrives in the hilly terrain and Kartli’s unique microclimates. Under careful cultivation, it is considered resilient. 

Chinuri is used in both still and sparkling amber wines, often with a blend of Goruli Mtsvane and Aligote – most famously the sparkling PDO Atenuri wine. 

When produced in Qvevri, Chinuri often has a tannic, floral, pear, and apricot taste.

Goruli Mtsvane

Originating from the Kartli region, Goruli Mtsvane is at home in its fertile soils and is considered a staple of Kartli’s winemaking traditions. Wines produced from Goruli Mtsvane typically offer a soft fruit palate, with a hint of peach, herbs, and spice. 

What Makes Kartli Wine Unique Today?

While boasting some of the oldest wine production traditions in the world, Kartli’s proximity to the capital Tbilisi has led to modern European winemaking influence. 

Stainless steel fermentation, controlled aging in oak barrels, and traditional sparkling wine production techniques are growing in popularity. So much so that Kartli is now widely considered Georgia’s premier region for traditional sparkling wine. The cool climate and high-acid Chinuri grape provide the perfect base for crisp, elegant sparkling wines which you could say are more champagne-like than the sparkling varieties found in western Georgia. 

It’s also worth noting that Katli’s winemaking practices opt for less skin contact – an average of around 80% juice and 20% skins and stems, which results in a more approachable wine.

Kartli also has a unique technique for fermenting white wines on the skins of black grapes. This is most commonly found in the village of Khidistavi. 

Sustainability has also become an important factor in the Katli region’s development, with cellars adhering to strict rules of the Natural Wine Association that prohibit the use of industrial additives. With wine tourism helping to boost the region’s name and economy, this sustainable approach is helping to preserve Kartli’s long-standing traditions. 

Best Food Pairings for Kartli Wine

Tavkveri

Takveri’s blend of ripe red fruits, combined with a medium body and acidity make it a versatile wine. Locals typically enjoy it alongside grilled meats, salmon steak, and hearty stews. 

Chinuri

The elegant Chinuri’s floral, musky taste is also backed with a lively acidity that pairs very well with seafood, aperitifs, and salads. It’s not uncommon to see a traditional Georgian festive table featuring Salmon, caviar, and a light-bodied white wine like Chinuri. 

Goruli Mtsvane

Goruli Mtsvane’s unique complexity and stone fruit aroma make it a lovely companion for creamy pasta dishes, poultry, and vegetarian aperitifs. 

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Silk Road Wines is a veteran-owned importer and distributor of natural Georgian wine based in Orlando, Florida. The story of wine begins with Georgia and we’d love to share that story with you.