Key Grape Varieties, Wine Styles, and Food Pairings
When it comes to wine, Georgia is a land of legends. With a winemaking history stretching back over 8,000 years, it is home to more than 500 indigenous grape varieties and a unique vinification approach. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just starting your journey into the world of Georgian wines, this beginner’s guide to Georgian wine will introduce you to some of the country’s most exciting grapes, their distinct characteristics, and the perfect dishes to pair them with.
The Stars of the Vineyard: Key Georgian Grape Varieties
1. Rkatsiteli – The Crisp Classic
- Tasting Notes: Bright acidity with flavours of green apple, citrus, and floral undertones.
- Wine Style: Typically made as a fresh white wine, it shines as an amber wine when fermented with skins in traditional Kvevri clay vessels.
- Perfect Pairing: Think light and fresh—grilled fish, vibrant salads, and soft cheeses like brie or feta.
2. Kisi – The Aromatic Gem
- Tasting Notes: A delightful bouquet of apricot, honey, and tropical fruits.
- Wine Style: Often crafted into an amber wine, delivering depth and a touch of tannin.
- Perfect Pairing: Roast chicken, grilled veggies, and creamy pasta dishes are a match made in heaven.
3. Mtsvane – The Floral Delight
- Tasting Notes: Fragrant with notes of peach, citrus, and fresh herbs.
- Wine Style: This can be enjoyed fresh and light, but also works well as an amber wine.
- Perfect Pairing: Seafood lovers, rejoice! Mtsvane complements grilled shrimp, oysters, and goat cheese beautifully.
4. Saperavi – The Bold Champion
- Tasting Notes: Deep ruby-red with bold dark berry flavours, a hint of spice, and velvety tannins.
- Wine Style: Found in both dry and semi-sweet styles, sometimes aged in oak for extra complexity.
- Perfect Pairing: The ultimate wine for grilled meats, barbecue lamb, and aged cheeses.
5. Aleksandrouli & Mujuretuli – The Duo Behind Khvanchkara
- Tasting Notes: Medium-bodied with juicy red berry notes and a delicate sweetness.
- Wine Style: Best known as the blend for Khvanchkara, a famed semi-sweet red.
- Perfect Pairing: Spice lovers take note—this pairs wonderfully with spicy dishes, blue cheese, and even dark chocolate desserts.
Hidden Gems of Georgian Winemaking
6. Tavkveri – The Versatile Surprise
- Tasting Notes: Light and fruit-forward, with red cherry, raspberry, and subtle earthy notes.
- Wine Style: This can be made into rosé, light red, or even sparkling wines.
- Perfect Pairing: A fantastic match for charcuterie, grilled poultry, and soft cheeses.
7. Tsolikouri – The Elegant White
- Tasting Notes: Crisp and mineral-driven, with notes of green pear, citrus, and almond.
- Wine Style: Mostly dry white, sometimes aged in Kvevri for additional texture.
- Perfect Pairing: Works beautifully with sushi, grilled seafood, and light pasta dishes.
8. Ojaleshi – The Rare Jewel
- Tasting Notes: Aromatic and slightly spicy, with flavours of ripe plums, cherries, and hints of cinnamon.
- Wine Style: Found as both semi-sweet and dry red, offering a velvety texture.
- Perfect Pairing: Ideal for lamb dishes, duck breast, and rich mushroom-based cuisine.
9. Chinuri – The Sparkling Wonder
- Tasting Notes: Crisp, citrusy, with fresh green apple and herbal undertones.
- Wine Style: Often used for traditional method sparkling wines.
- Perfect Pairing: A stunning match with oysters, light appetizers, and fried foods.
How to Enjoy Georgian Wine Like a Local
Pairing wine is an art, but with Georgian wines, it’s all about balance and harmony. In this beginner’s guide to georgian wine we offer you as well a cheat sheet for your next tasting:
- Amber Wines (Rkatsiteli, Kisi, Mtsvane, Tsolikouri) → Go bold with flavours! Try them with rich stews, roasted meats, and even Georgian khachapuri.
- Saperavi (Full-bodied red) → A no-brainer for grilled meats, game, and spicy foods.
- Semi-sweet Reds (Khvanchkara, Ojaleshi) → Unexpectedly great with blue cheese, fruit-based sauces, and spicy Asian dishes.
- Fresh White Wines (Rkatsiteli, Mtsvane, Chinuri) → Light and zesty, these wines shine with seafood, salads, and creamy cheeses.
- Sparkling Wines (Chinuri) → The perfect celebratory drink for fresh oysters and crispy appetizers.
Georgian wines are more than just beverages—they are a connection to a rich cultural tradition, an invitation to explore new flavours, and a reminder that wine is best enjoyed with good food and great company. So grab a glass, pour yourself a taste of history, and let Georgia’s finest transport you to the vineyards of the Caucasus. Gaumarjos! (Cheers!)
