Gerogian wine

Unique Georgian wine styles and grapes

This country boasts hundreds of authentic grape varieties and production methods you will not find anywhere else. For those seeking the true face of Georgia, these favorites are worth exploring:

• Saperavi: The true king of red wines, whose name translates to "dye" or "paint". It is one of the few grape varieties in the world with not just red skin, but red flesh as well. It produces exceptionally deep, age-worthy wines filled with notes of dark berries and spices.
• Rkatsiteli and Mtsvane: The main white varieties, mostly used in the production of traditional amber wine. They delight with aromas of dried apricots, wildflowers, honey, and roasted nuts.
• Qvevri amber (orange) wine: This is not a grape, but a production method inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The wine is fermented and aged for months together with the grape skins and stems in giant clay vessels (qvevri) buried in the ground. The result is a tannic, incredibly complex amber-colored beverage.

What food to pair with Georgian wines

In Georgian culture, wine and food (the famous supra) are inseparable. Thanks to their robust structure, these beverages perfectly withstand even the richest flavors:

• Grilled meats, shashlik, and beef stews: A powerful Saperavi with its pronounced tannins ideally complements richer, fire-grilled meat dishes.
• Traditional khachapuri, poultry, and vegetables: Amber wine is a true culinary chameleon. It pairs wonderfully with walnut-spiced eggplants (pkhali), cheese pies, and spicy chicken dishes.

Looking for something to complete your tasting or festive table? Browse our wine snacks and create a perfect harmony of flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What exactly is a Qvevri?
It is a traditional, giant egg-shaped clay vessel used for wine fermentation and aging. It is buried underground, where a constant temperature is naturally maintained, allowing the wine to mature slowly and evenly.

Are only semi-sweet wines produced in Georgia?
Definitely not. While semi-sweet wines (such as Kindzmarauli or Khvanchkara) historically gained massive popularity, the true pride of Georgia and the main focus of modern winemakers are premium, structured dry reds and amber wines that are winning awards worldwide.

Why is white wine sometimes called "amber" or "orange"?
In the West, it is customary to separate white grape juice from the skins before fermentation. However, in the traditional Georgian method, white grapes are fermented together with their skins, seeds, and even stems. It is from the skins that the wine extracts its darker, amber-like color and the tannic structure typically associated with red wines.