Unlocking the Full Experience
How to Store and Serve Georgian Wine is more than just a practical skill—it’s a gateway to experiencing 8,000 years of history in every sip. Georgian wine is not merely a drink; it’s a celebration of tradition, craftsmanship, and unique flavours waiting to be explored. Whether you’re savouring the bold intensity of Saperavi, the crisp elegance of Tsolikouri, or the rich complexity of an amber wine, proper storage and serving techniques ensure each bottle reaches its peak expression and delights your palate. Here’s how to unlock the full potential of Georgian wine.
Storing Georgian Wine: Treat It Like a Treasure
1. Temperature is Key—Not Too Hot, Not Too Cold
Wine is like Goldilocks—it doesn’t like extremes. Store your bottles at a consistent 12-15°C (54-59°F) to keep them in peak condition. Too warm? The wine ages too quickly. Too cold? It dulls the flavours. Keep it steady!
2. Humidity Matters More Than You Think
Ever had a cork crumble into your wine? That’s what happens when storage is too dry! Aim for 60-70% humidity to keep corks from drying out. If you’re in a dry climate, a simple bowl of water in your wine storage area can help.
3. Keep It in the Dark—Wine is No Fan of Sunbathing
Sunlight and wine don’t mix! UV rays can mess with the delicate compounds in wine, leading to off flavours. Store bottles in a dark, cool space, like a wine cellar, a cabinet, or even a box if needed.
4. Lay It Down—Only If It’s Corked!
Bottles with corks should be stored horizontally to keep the cork moist and prevent air from sneaking in. Screw-cap bottles? No problem, they can stand tall.
5. Keep It Still—No Shaking Allowed
Vibrations disturb the natural ageing process of wine. So, if you’ve been storing your bottles on top of the fridge or near a washing machine, it’s time to relocate them!
6. Know Which Wines to Age and Which to Drink Now
- Drink Young: Most white and amber wines (Rkatsiteli, Mtsvane, Kisi) are best within 3-5 years.
- Let It Mature: Full-bodied reds like Saperavi can age for 5-15 years, developing more depth over time.
- Rare Treasures: Some Georgian wines, especially those aged in Kvevri, can last for decades if stored properly.
Serving Georgian Wine: Make Every Sip Shine
1. Temperature Makes the Difference
The right temperature unlocks the magic of wine! Here’s a quick guide:
- White & Amber Wines: 10-14°C (50-57°F) – Serve too cold, and you mute the aromas. Let it warm up slightly for the best experience.
- Red Wines: 16-18°C (61-64°F) – Lighter reds can be served a touch cooler.
- Sparkling Wines: 6-8°C (43-46°F) – Ice cold is best for those celebratory bubbles!
2. To Decant or Not to Decant?
- Saperavi & aged reds: Give them 30-60 minutes in a decanter to soften tannins and reveal deep fruit flavours.
- Amber wines: A quick 20-minute aeration can enhance their complex aromas.
- Fresh whites: No need for decanting—just pour and enjoy!
3. Glassware Matters—Yes, It Really Does!
- Tulip-shaped glasses are ideal for amber and white wines, concentrating aromas beautifully.
- Wide-bowled glasses let red wines breathe and develop their full character.
- Flutes for sparkling wines? Sure, but try a white wine glass instead—it enhances the aromas even more!
4. Chill Smartly—No Freezer Needed!
Need to cool down a bottle fast? Wrap it in a damp towel and pop it in the fridge for 15 minutes. Avoid the freezer—nobody wants an accidental wine explosion!
5. Pouring Like a Pro
- Fill your glass one-third full to allow swirling and aeration.
- Hold the glass by the stem, not the bowl—your hand’s warmth can change the temperature!
- Swirl gently, take a deep inhale and savour the first sip slowly. Let the wine tell its story.
Final Touch: Experience Georgian Wine the Way It’s Meant to Be
Enjoying wine is more than just tasting—it’s about embracing the full experience. Georgian wine, with its deep roots in history, tradition, and celebration, deserves to be savoured the right way. By following these essential tips on How to Store and Serve Georgian Wine, you’ll ensure that every bottle reveals its true character, enhancing both its flavours and your enjoyment.
So, gather your friends, pour a perfectly stored and served glass, and toast to adventure. Let Georgian wine transport you to the vineyards of the Caucasus, one sip at a time. Gaumarjos! (Cheers!)