Many people appreciate white Georgian wine, the name of many brands of which is difficult to pronounce when sober. Today we will try to briefly highlight this facet of life in the Caucasus.

After all, according to researchers, this drink of the gods has been produced here for more than eight thousand years. This is confirmed by archaeological finds on the territory of Kakheti.

Winemaking in Georgia

Proud Georgians say that you can truly taste the taste of wine only in its homeland. After all, more than five thousand varieties of grapevines are grown here alone, from which white, red, rose, dry, sweet and semi-sweet wines are produced.

It is noteworthy that most of the varieties of this berry are autochthonous and are clearly distinguished by region. That is, if you want to try real semi-sweet Georgian wine, you will have to go to the area where this grape variety grows.

The founder of winemaking in the country is considered to be Alexander Chavchavadze, who began producing this drink at the end of the nineteenth century. Therefore, some varieties of Kakheti wines preserve centuries-old technologies.

In particular, this is why they are considered by European tasters to be coarse and marginal varieties, because they have a very rich taste and aroma. But such a comparison is incorrect, since its roots come from medieval traditions. Where else can you taste something similar to the drink that was enjoyed in the era of late antiquity and the Middle Ages in the East.

Grape varieties and regions

Dry white Georgian wines are usually named after the region from which they are made, or the region of production. Let's look a little deeper into these areas of Georgian winemaking.

You will be surprised, but there is a science that studies grape varieties, as well as changes in their properties under the influence of external factors. It's called ampelography.
So, judging by its reference books, Georgia is home to more than five hundred varieties of grapes (and there are about four thousand in the world). Moreover, many of them, due to the specifics of the national distillation technology, practically did not leave the country.
So, white wines are made from varieties such as Goruli Mtsvane, Mtsvane, Rkatsiteli, Tsolikauri and Tsitska.

Tasters say that the best representatives of this brand are distinguished by a euphonious and delicate taste, as well as an individual and easily recognizable aroma.

"Bakhtrioni" - history of Eastern Georgia

This white Georgian wine gets its name from a fortress in Eastern Georgia that was destroyed in the seventeenth century. However, it can only be found in one area where a special grape variety is grown - Mtsvane Kakhetian.
Thus, “Bakhtrioni” is actually a symbol of its native Akhmeta region.

They started producing it in 1966. Despite the fact that it is the same age as many other Georgian wines, Bakhtrioni has never found its niche outside of Georgia. All his fame is limited to several participations in international exhibitions and two gold medals.

It turns out that in order to enjoy this wonderful light-straw drink with a slight greenish tint and a unique aftertaste, you will have to go on a tasting tour to Eastern Georgia.

"Tibaani" - taste of tea rose

Our next white Georgian wine received its name from a microdistrict in Kakheti. It began to be produced here back in 1948. Like other Kakheti wines, Tibaani has a concentrated, very strong taste and aroma. This is achieved due to a specific cooking technology (in qvevri), which we will talk about a little later.

Nevertheless, the drink was awarded five silver and two gold medals at international competitions.

The taste of this wine is velvety, slightly oily. It contains notes of faded tea rose, raisins and a specific varietal aroma. The color of "Tibaani" is quite dark: amber with a greenish tint.

"Kakheti" according to an ancient recipe

When people think of white Georgian wine, the name “Kakheti” is one of the first to come up. And not only because that was the name of the ancient kingdom on the territory of Georgia.

After all, the production technology of this particular wine is considered the oldest and is used only in this country. Wines created according to these standards are considered crude and marginal, and therefore do not receive many awards at exhibitions. However, researchers note that they contain a high content of elements that are beneficial to health.

"Kakheti" is produced as follows. Crushed grapes (pulp) are placed in special clay vessels buried in the ground. In Georgian they are called “qvevri”. There, the nectar ferments for three to four months at a temperature of 15 degrees Celsius.

During this time, it is saturated with extractive substances, giving the taste greater astringency. The taste becomes stronger and richer.

You will be able to feel notes of local fruits and herbs, as well as a refined aftertaste and a pronounced unique aroma.

The wine was awarded one bronze and one silver medal.

Semi-sweet "Tvishi"

White Georgian wine "Tvishi" is without a doubt called the best representative of the line of semi-sweet wines. It has been produced since 1952 and for more than half a century has been able to win the hearts of connoisseurs from many countries.

The grapes from which this drink is produced are called Tsolikauri. It grows in the area of ​​the same name.

Today this wine is produced by three different factories. The products of the Kakheti “Teliani-Veli” are considered the best. In second place is the Racha “Rachuli Gvino”. Tbilisi Winery closes the list.

Why did it receive two silver and one gold medals at competitions? Residents of the village of Tvishi say that this divine nectar is a gift from heaven, and without a doubt the best drink on earth. Many tasters also do not hide their delight. The pronounced fruity notes of this wine appeal to almost everyone who tries it.

"Alazani Valley"

It’s not for nothing that this land is sometimes called “black and white Georgia” by tourists. Georgian Saperavi is so rich in color that you simply can’t call it red. The same variety has a multi-colored palette of wines, from straw to almost black.

Today we will talk about the semi-sweet white wine of this brand made from Rkatsiteli grapes. This drink has an amber color and a pronounced aroma. Refined connoisseurs of light wines will be able to enjoy the “Alazani Valley” to the fullest, because only this drink can be drunk like grape juice. And its effect is comparable to light champagne.

Sommeliers believe that girls will especially like this wine.

"Tetra" from the top three

In this article we are discussing Georgian wine. White semi-sweet wines are not very common in this country. "Tetra" is one of the three best brands that produce white semi-sweet wine.

In its homeland, the drink is considered quite expensive, so it is not often found at feasts. This wine got its name from the Rachuli-tetra grape variety. The drink has been produced since 1945 and is deservedly among the top five.

This brand won two silver medals at international competitions.
The color of the drink is light straw, the taste is fruity with a pronounced aftertaste. Connoisseurs compare “Tetra” to the most harmonious melody.

"Chkhaveri": different opinions

When it comes to Georgian wines, Georgian winemaking (especially in the west of the country) is accused of being somewhat “watery”. Therefore, the opinions of tasters regarding the Chkhaveri brand are slightly divided. Perhaps they just tried it from different manufacturers.

So, some say that due to the large amount of excess water in the grapes, this wine cannot be highly valued. Others (the international jury also includes this) respond quite favorably. No wonder this brand received one gold, one bronze and four silver medals at exhibitions.

The drink itself has a pleasant fruity taste and a light straw color with a slight splash of pink. It has been produced since 1934.

It is believed that this wine should only be drunk slowly to enjoy all the notes of the melody.

"Savane" - the energy of the Georgian sun

When talking about the varieties of Georgian wines, white semi-sweet wines stand a little aside, because they are radically different from the rest.

For example, the Savane brand, which is very close in taste and production to Tsitska wine, has been produced for more than three decades. It is distinguished by a specific greenish tint, which is superimposed on the standard light straw color of local wine.

The inherent sweetness of the Tsitska grape permeates this drink and, combining with the energy of the Georgian sun, gives incomparable pleasure to everyone who decides to appreciate it.

Thus, dear friends, we have walked through the bins of some Georgian wineries. We got acquainted with most brands of white wines, paying special attention to the semi-sweet representatives of this kingdom.

Enjoy life and try to travel more often!

In Georgia today there are two ways of making wine - classic European (grape juice without seeds and branches is aged in barrels or tanks) and traditional.

According to the traditional recipe, the fermentation process involves ridges, seeds, twigs - cake. This cake, together with grape juice, is fermented in special clay vessels - qvevri. The qvevri are huge - several tons, buried in the ground and hermetically sealed.

When fermentation ends, the wine is separated from the pomace and either poured into barrels for further aging or bottled. Georgian chacha vodka is prepared from the cake and sediment.

All wines prepared according to a traditional recipe are distinguished by their rich taste and aroma. These are bright, honest wines. This brightness comes from the seed and the pulp.

White wine is sunny orange in color. Correct red saperavi flows down the walls of the glass in purple, almost black drops. Wine for everyone. But if you like bright wines, be sure to try traditional ones.

Georgian wines using European technology are high-quality, light, drinkable and aromatic.

Wines for export are produced by Teliani Veli, Badagoni, Tbilvino, Bagrationi, Chateau Mukhrani, Viniveria and other large factories. The wines are also excellent and more consistent than homemade ones.

But homemade wine is a different story. It all depends on where you taste it. Homemade wine in the village or just at a party is usually a sour, simple homemade wine. But almost every liquor store also sells homemade wines. It’s a must to taste them. You will be pleasantly surprised. Only on the street Leselidze (Kote Abkhazi) about 15 wine shops.

It’s interesting that in Georgia they call homemade wines on tap. And as a rule, these wines are produced in small chateaus, but are not bottled. The wines are of excellent quality, but since they are on tap, they cost three times less than their bottled counterparts. We drank the best saperavi as “homemade” for 10 lari per liter.

Dry and semi-sweet wines are mainly produced in Georgia. There are practically no sweet and fortified wines - don’t look for them.

Almost every wine store allows you to taste the wine before purchasing. It's usually free - don't hesitate to ask.

When you find out of a million types of wines in Tbilisi exactly the one that suits your taste, don’t forget about the appetizer. National Georgian cuisine is a separate story.

The truth is in the wine, as they say. And even more so in Georgian wine, the names of which are countless. But let’s try, without getting drunk on the names alone, to review the most popular brands.

Alazani Valley

Compared to other Georgian wines, it has been produced not so long ago - since 1977. Available in two colors: red is made from Saperavi, Aleksandrouli, Ojapeshi grapes, white - from Rkatsiteli and Tetra varieties. A distinctive feature of the red version of the “valley” is notes of dogwood, blackberry and a light purple tint, while the white is famous for its fragrance and pronounced amber color. Both are semi-sweet and go well with desserts and cheeses.

Akhasheni

Semi-sweet red, or to be precise, garnet-colored wine. 55 years old has not lost its popularity. It has a chocolate flavor that makes it suitable for desserts, cheeses and vegetable dishes. Interesting fact: Akhasheni can only be produced in one area in . If you decide to produce somewhere else, it is illegal.

Price per bottle: 500‒700 rubles

Bakhtrioni

Dry white wine is also grown only in one region of Georgia and, accordingly, is produced only here. That is why it became a symbol of the Akhmeta region. The color has a greenish tint, the taste is called harmonious, plus two gold medals in competitions. It’s difficult to find in Russia, but why not go to Georgia.

Price per bottle: ~400 rubles

Gurjaani

Dry white wine, one of the oldest in Georgia - it has been produced since 1877 and is still kept in oak barrels for at least three years. This drink has a bitterness, which will help connoisseurs to distinguish it in any case. At one time, this wine received one gold, one bronze and nine silver medals.

Price per bottle: 300‒400 rubles

Kardanakhi

Fortified amber-colored “port” wine is usually stored in open oak barrels for at least three years, properly warmed in the sun. This, apparently, is why it has such a rich color and taste with notes of honey, which allowed it to compete with the best port wines at competitions.

Price per bottle: ~400 rubles

Kindzmarauli

This brand is well known. Semi-sweet cherry-colored wine is suitable for lovers of grilled meat. Interesting fact: due to the fact that the amount of harvested grapes needed to make this wine is limited, there is very little real Kindzmarauli, it is possible to stumble upon a similar one.

Price per bottle: ~800 rubles

Mukuzani

It is considered the best Georgian wine, made from Saperavi grapes. The wine of the same name is aged for a year, Kindzmarauli from the same berry - for two years, and Mukuzani - for three. That’s why the taste is complex, with notes of oak. Dry red wine is suitable for a meat feast, especially if the dishes are made of lamb.

Price per bottle: ~500 rubles

Napareuli

This wine languishes in barrels for at least a couple of years, then to surprise with its garnet color and blackcurrant flavor. This is a dry wine and is best suited to game and cheeses. If you want to try Napareuli in its homeland, in the village of the same name in Georgia, it is better to do it in the fall, when wine holidays and festivals are held there.

Price per bottle: ~700 rubles

Pirosmani

Semi-dry wine of thick ruby ​​color has been produced not so long ago, a little over 30 years. Its pleasant taste and aroma were influenced by the favorable conditions of the area where the grapes grew. Interesting fact: the wine received its name in honor of the Georgian primitivist artist Niko Pirosmani; some scenes from his paintings were even used to design the labels.

Price per bottle: 300‒450 rubles

Salkhino

Red dessert wine, which is classified as liqueur. Connoisseurs describe the bouquet as “complex strawberry tones, sometimes with a predominance of creamy chocolate shades.” It has been produced in Georgia since 1928; now it is extremely difficult to find in Russia, although competitions have given Salkhino six gold awards.

Price per bottle: ~500 rubles

Saperavi

Dry red table wine from the grape variety of the same name. Many other wines are made from it: Kindzmarauli, Mukuzani, Kvareli, Napareuli, etc. But for some reason it is called the berry. The young wine is said to have notes of the fermented milk product matsoni. The grapes of this variety ripen late, hence the drink with notes of autumn. It will be an excellent addition to spicy and spicy dishes.

Price per bottle: 400‒750 rubles

Teliani

Some wine connoisseurs say that this is the best dry red wine produced in Georgia. Its peculiarity is that Teliani is made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, which were imported from the end of the 19th century, so there is something French in it, for example, the aroma of violet.

Price per bottle: ~450 rubles

Usakhelauri

Red semi-sweet wine produced from a very rare grape variety of the same name. It is rare that the annual yield of this variety exceeds three tons. But if you suddenly come across a bottle, you need to be prepared for a pleasant sweetness with notes of strawberries.

Price per bottle: ~3000 rubles

Khvanchkara

Almost the calling card of Georgia and the once favorite wine of Comrade Stalin. However, even without his participation, Khvanchkara would have become popular: the rich cherry color, subtle raspberry tone and natural sweetness will not leave anyone indifferent. Two gold and four silver medals at competitions are no joke.

Price per bottle: 1000‒1300 rubles

Tsinandali

Quite a popular dry white wine, which is recommended as an aperitif to awaken the appetite. It has been produced since 1886 and year after year it pleases us with its unchanged straw color. If you have chicken, lamb and vegetable dishes for dinner, this wine is quite suitable.

Price per bottle: 400‒450 rubles

Chkhaveri

Another one of the few truly semi-sweet wines with a straw color. We can say that nature itself created its taste, which is recommended to be felt while slowly savoring the drink. Its peculiarity is in color: although Chkhaveri is considered white, a slight pink tint will be visible in the glass.

Price per bottle: 600‒700 rubles

Ten best Georgian wines

		Year of birth	What is it suitable for?
	Red, semi-sweet		Desserts, cheeses, fruits
Kardanakhi	White, fortified (port wine type)
	White dry		Salads, seafood. Excellent as an aperitif
Kindzmarauli	Red, semi-sweet		Grilled meat. Goes well with fruit
Mukuzani	Red, dry		Lamb, cheeses
Napareuli	Red/white, dry		Meat, game, cheeses
Saperavi	Red, dry		Spicy snacks, spicy or spicy meats, fresh vegetables
	Red, dry		Juicy meat
Khvanchkara	Red, semi-sweet		Spicy dishes, desserts
Tsinandali	White dry		Cold vegetable dishes, fish dishes

Over the centuries, Georgians have created unique types of wine, each of them is different, and each of them is unique in its taste and aroma.

The chief winemaker of the Dugladze Wine Company, Levan Kanchaveli, identified the 10 most expensive and unique Georgian wines.

Usakhelouri- the most expensive Georgian wine. The Usakhelouri grape variety grows in the village of Okureshi, Tsageri region, in very small quantities, and the highest quality wine is made from it. This is a very aromatic, semi-sweet red wine. Usakhelouri costs 80-90 lari, and, of course, its export price is expensive. This wine is in great demand in European countries and China. Among local winegrowers, Usakhelouri is also known as Okureshuli.

Muscat - costs from 50 to 70 lari. This wine is also produced in very small quantities. The Muscat grape variety is mainly found in the regions of Kakheti and Kartli - in Mukhrani, as well as in Gori and surrounding villages. From these grapes, Georgian winemakers make the best wine, which is mainly sold in China and the local market.

Kisi- Qvevri wine, which is produced in very small quantities and costs approximately 40 to 50 lari. This wine is infused in the Kakheti region, in the Akhmeta zone. The wine must boil in a qvevri for six months, and only after that it is bottled. Kisi is produced in very small quantities and is a unique wine.

Khvanchkara- made from Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grape varieties. These two grape varieties grow everywhere in Racha, so Khvanchkara is not uncommon. This is a semi-sweet wine, the cost of one bottle is on average 40-60 GEL.

Twishy- white, semi-sweet wine made from Tsolikouri grapes. It is historically insisted in Lechkhumi. There is a specific viticulture zone "Tvishi", which is located on the right bank of the Rioni River, at an altitude of 435 meters from sea level. It includes the villages of Tvishi and Alpana. It is from this zone that one of the outstanding semi-sweet wines comes, the price of which ranges from 25 to 35 lari. By the way, Tsolikouri grapes also grow in Imereti, but are not suitable for making Tvishi; the unique taste of the wine is given by the soil and climate where it is produced.

Otskhanuri Sapere also infused in small quantities.

It is infused in oak barrels, and after about a year and a half it is transferred to bottles. This grape variety grows in Western Georgia, in the area near Zestafoni and Baghdadi. The best quality dry table wine is made from it, the average price of which is 20-30 lari.

Akhasheni- semi-sweet wine made from Saperavi grapes. It is bred in Chumlaki, Akhasheni, and the micro zone that exists in these villages. The price of Akhasheni starts from about 15 lari and goes up to 25 lari. Its export areas are mainly Russia and China.

Krahuna- in Western Georgia, in the territory adjacent to Zestafoni, the delicious Krakhuna grapes grow. These are grapes of very high quality, from which the best white, dry wine is made. Its price ranges from 15 to 20 lari. Champagne and high quality sparkling wine can also be made from Krakhuna grapes.

Kindzmarauli– not so expensive, but very popular wine. It is made from grapes harvested in Kakheti, in the Kvareli region. The price of wine is approximately 15-20 GEL. This is one of the unique varieties, despite the fact that it is not rare. Kindzmarauli is exported mainly to China and Russia.

Mukuzani– dry red wine, which is produced in the village of Mukuzani and in the surrounding area. Mukuzani wine is of very high quality. First it is aged in barrels, and after a year and a half it can be bottled. Mukuzani costs 15-20 lari. This is, however, an inexpensive wine, but it is one of the best among Georgian wines.

Georgia is known as a country with the greatest culture, filled with highlights and events. Georgian wine occupies a special niche and is therefore valued in many countries. Georgian winemaking is a special culture: growing, caring for the vine, the process of winemaking and drinking the drink.

“Chkhaveri”, “kachichi”, “rkatsiteli”, “tsolikuori” are not just foreign words, but the names of the most famous grape varieties grown on sunny plantations in hot Georgia. The grapes from which winemakers make famous Georgian wines, alluring with their taste.

Famous wines of Georgia

The fame of Georgian wines is spreading widely outside the country, this is entirely due to a number of reasons:

1. The climate is perfectly suited to ensure that the vine grows in the conditions necessary for its life.
2. The history of grape cultivation stretches back for many centuries.
3. The impressive and wise attitude of the people towards alcoholic beverages, the ability to drink alcohol correctly - in this process one can trace a special note of charm, inherent, perhaps, only to the residents of Georgia.

Red Georgian wine: names

When we talk about Georgia and red wines, the combination “Kakheti red wine” involuntarily forms in our heads. And this is not surprising, because the beginning of the last century is famous for the famous expression: “Kakheti is the birthplace of red wine.” The country has the most favorable conditions for growing red grape varieties, which simply cannot be found in any other country. Expert opinion on the winemaking process states that current Georgian wines are very similar to the wines of Bordeaux and Burgundy.

A similar parallel is given for people who are not familiar with Georgian wines and their taste. Some may mistakenly believe that Kakheti winemakers take French wines as a certain standard that they follow in their work. This is fundamentally wrong, wine from Georgia is endowed with special taste qualities that are not found in other wines, their taste is unique and even original.

"Khvanchkara"

Georgian wine “Khvanchkara” is the true queen of natural and semi-sweet wine. This wine can safely be considered a virtue of Georgian winemakers. A wine that has been a leader in wine tasting competitions at the international level many times. A bewitching color reminiscent of a cherry ruby, transparent with an unsurpassed aroma and strong bouquet, velvety taste and raspberry note - an ideal and harmonious combination of taste qualities. It is known from reliable sources that Khvanchkara was Stalin’s favorite wine.

For production, grapes are selected from the Alexandrouli and Mujuretuli varieties growing in the western part of the country. On the land of Colchis, the world-famous story about the Golden Fleece, which was stolen from this ancient land.

The dark color attracts with its durability. A rich and developed bouquet with a pleasant taste and a light note of raspberries, combined in perfect harmony.

Fine and refined wine, suitable for game and white meat dishes. Pairs perfectly with cheeses, nuts and even dessert.

"Teliani"

The best Georgian wines “Teliani” are known for their excellent characteristics and the highest quality. Perhaps this is the most popular wine made in Georgia. For its production, “cabarnet sauvignon” is used, a grape variety brought to Georgia from France back in the 19th century. The taste reveals subtle notes of barberry and cherry, which served as the hallmark of this wine. To obtain such a bouquet, aging is required for more than three years. The most common combination when serving is with boiled beef and the addition of herbs.

"Mukuzani"

Georgian red wine “Mukuzani” has been known to wine connoisseurs since 1888. It is usually served with well-fried meat with an abundance of spicy seasonings and juicy greens. The grapes of the Saperavi variety are selected for production.

"Napareuli"

This wine is also made from Saperavi grapes. The taste shows a clear dominance of the rich tone of black currant. Recommended when eating game.

"Kvareli"

The wine was known no more than half a century ago, but managed to win the preference of many lovers of this drink. The best Georgian wines of this brand have boldly declared themselves all over the world.

"Saperavi"

Widely known and popular wine. The young wine has the smell of matsoni, the national fermented milk product of Georgia. Old wine has a slightly bitter taste. It is preferable to eat with fried and juicy meat and pita bread; a prerequisite is that the pita bread must be warm.

"Kindzmarauli"

Georgian wine “Kindzmarauli”, which was very popular with the USSR Generalissimo Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin, first appeared in Kakheti, the village of Kindzmarauli, located in the Alazan-Agrichay plain at the foot of the Caucasus Mountains. It was from this Georgian village that the drink got its name. The vineyard area covers 120 hectares. This picturesque place is located on the banks of the Duruja, the left tributary of the Alazani - the main river in the lands of the Alazan-Agrichay plain. Due to regular flooding with clean river water, excellent sandy soils have formed here. It was these special natural conditions that created a wonderful terroir for the growth of the Saperavi grape variety, from which the Georgian wine Kindzmarauli is produced using Imeretian technology.

In 1942, the best winemakers of Georgia released a batch of wine aged two years. The technological process for producing the new drink was based on the ancient traditions of local winemakers, proven over centuries. For centuries, better winemaking recipes have been collected - now they were able to contribute to the emergence and transformation of the current drink.

Wineries of Kakheti

Today this wine is produced in almost all Kakheti wineries:

1. "Kindzmarauli-marani". This is one of the largest factories in Kakheti, located in the very center of the Kindzmaraul vineyard.
2. "Khareba" - a wine company produced a good "Kindzmarauli" in 2011-2012, but they did not produce wine from the 2013 harvest.
3. "Chateau-Mukhrani" began to produce this popular drink with high quality since 2014, although their price for it is slightly higher than that of other manufacturers.

Features of red semi-sweet wine “Kindzmarauli”

“Kindzmarauli” - a Georgian wine, the photo of which is located below, is endowed with velvety and delicate notes of cherry; the pomegranate shades of taste and aroma of the wine bouquet make a particularly indelible impression on the sommelier.

True connoisseurs of Georgian wines claim that semi-sweet red wine “Kindzmarauli” goes best with national meat dishes. In addition, it is often recommended as a dessert wine for fruits and sweets.

The strength of a genuine drink usually does not exceed 12%. Georgian wine “Kindzmarauli” is considered by highly professional winemakers to be a variety of red semi-sweet wine.

To preserve the real aromatic and taste properties of the red semi-sweet wine “Kindzmarauli”, as a national treasure of Georgia, the government of the country has taken a number of measures according to which it can be produced in a strictly defined zone, namely in the Kinzmarauli district, located in the Kvarelli region of Kakheti.

White Georgian wine: names

Georgian winemakers in the nineteenth century made wines using an ancient method. Using this method, the must for white wine was fermented along with the pulp. Wine produced using this method had a strong, intense, tart taste. Since the old days, the method of wine production has changed, adapting to European tastes. According to European technology, wines began to be made by fermenting the must without pulp, which was separated. This method of making white wine has taken root in Georgia. Using the method of European technology, they began to produce different wines. The following are the most famous past wines.

"Tsinandali"

White Georgian wine “Tsinandali” is rightfully considered the best; it has deservedly received worthy awards at international exhibitions. This drink has a very beautiful golden color. It has a slight oiliness to it. This wine is stored in oak barrels for about 3 years before bottling. Maybe that’s why its special light honey taste cannot be confused with other wines. The wine is cooled to 15 degrees and served with cold dishes of vegetables and nuts, and fish.

"Vazisubani"

“Vazisubani” is a relatively young wine. It was produced for the first time in 1978. The wine quickly gained well-deserved popularity. Winemakers predicted the direction of changes in consumer taste. The taste of this wine has a fresh note of honey and wildflowers. The color of the wine is unusual with a greenish tint. It leaves a light pleasant aftertaste. “Vazisubani” is good served with seafood, salads, and poultry dishes.

"Gurjaani"

Gurjaani differs from other types of white wines by its pleasant bitterness, which does not spoil its rich taste. Its straw-yellow color and fruity aroma with notes of nuts and spices will not leave anyone indifferent. It is served with game, lamb, and vegetables.

"Rkatsiteli"

“Rkatsiteli” is a Georgian wine, the reviews of which are very positive. Manufactured using ancient technologies. It has a nice dark amber color. The aroma of tea rose goes well with the taste of ripe fruits, and the light astringent taste does not spoil it at all, but adds sophistication. This wine is perfect with Georgian spicy solyanka and barbecue.

Not all varieties of white Georgian wines are described here. A lot of them. We can talk about Georgian wines endlessly. And if you add a barbecue and a glass of excellent white wine to the conversation, the conversation will not only be meaningful, but also enjoyable.

Wine in qvevri

In Georgia, two-meter clay jugs are used to store and ferment wine. Usually these jars are buried in the ground. Such jugs are called qvevri. When storing wine, the lid of the qvevri is covered with earth or coated well with clay. The monks of the Shavnabad Monastery make the most delicious wine in qvevri jugs. The monks cultivate all the vineyards themselves. Women are not allowed to make wine. The monks consider Shawnabad wine to be the most delicious, because it is made with a pure heart, good intentions and God's help. This Georgian wine is made in small batches and is considered a cure for all diseases. Shavnabad wine is very expensive even in the monastery, and is not sold in stores at all.

Wine producers in Georgia

Georgian wines are in great demand on the world stage. The producers of this drink occupy leading positions - all this is due to the fact that a full cycle of wine production is established on its territory and there are many producers who have proven themselves positively over many decades.

First of all, it is worth noting that the town of Kindzmarauli is located in Kakheti - the most famous “wine” region of Georgia. It is in honor of this place that the famous and beloved wine by many connoisseurs is named. Since 2000, the Kindzmarauli Marani company has been founded.

The Alaverdi monastery cellar occupies a special place in the wine history of Georgia. The history of the production of wines supplied from the cellars of the Alaverdi Monastery goes back a thousand years; the wine itself is made from Kakheti grape varieties. It is poured by monks into clay jugs and aged in the cellars of the monastery, built in the 11th century.

On the Georgian wine market, the Kimerioni company is a young producer, and its focus is on creating quality wines, both taking into account the wine traditions of Georgia and European technologies.

At the same time, the Dugladze company was founded in 2004 on the basis of the existing Gomi enterprise, which dates back to 1903 and specializes in the production of not only wines, but also cognacs.

The Khareba Winemaking company applies the principles of ancient Georgian traditions in its production. This is what allows us to preserve the uniqueness of the vine culture and wine production technology. All this together allows us to supply a high-quality product to the market not only of Georgia, but also of the world.

Today, the Bagration joint-stock company, founded in 1882, occupies a leading position in the Georgian wine market - it owns three wine supplies in the country. This brand is famous for its sparkling wines both on the Georgian market and abroad.

The Teliani Veli company adheres to the traditions of Georgian winemaking in the production of wines, while not forgetting about innovations in the technological process and the knowledge of young specialists.

The main task and goal of the Georgiy Mirianashvili company is to supply the wine market with high-quality, natural and environmentally friendly products. All this forms the main policy of the company - to gain authority not by quantity, but by the quality of wines supplied to the market.

The Shumi wine production company is a leader in the country's wine industry - it is the company that has the ability to produce wines through the full winemaking cycle, from growing the vine to bottling it in branded containers and delivering it to retail outlets. It is due to this that the company enjoys an excellent reputation.

The winery of the Viniveria company is located on the territory of the Chateau Mere wine complex. This plant collects raw materials - the grapes themselves - from specially selected vineyards that have been growing in a certain place for at least a quarter of a century.

How to choose Georgian wine

Pay attention to the label. Make sure the wine was grown and bottled in Georgia and not somewhere else. Also pay attention to large manufacturers - well-known companies monitor the quality of their product more closely. However, today in Georgia there are many small private producers, called according to the French tradition “chateau” (or in Georgian “marani”), in which the farmer and the winemaker themselves are one and the same person. The wines of these companies can also be of excellent quality, although, as a rule, they are more expensive than a mass-produced product.

It is preferable to drink varietal wines that were produced from one type of wine grape.

Good Georgian wine - the price of which is not less than 400 rubles. Don't forget this when choosing a drink.

How to drink wine correctly

Of course, you can drink wine from any glass or even from your “throat”, snacking on what you have, if this is acceptable in the conditions of the company, place or time. However, such consumption of a noble drink does not reveal the depth of the wine, as a result of which its own rules arose, designed not so much to complicate the drinking process, but to help the drinker achieve complete satisfaction from the drink.

It all starts with the right wine glasses. Georgian dry and red wine is traditionally drunk from tall glasses made of transparent glass. Semi-sweet varieties are usually drunk from wide glasses, which are usually made without additional decorations.

Then you need to determine which food goes with which wine. Fish and poultry are best served with white wines; red wines for red meat or fatty fish (like salmon or carp). Rose wines are usually served with gourmet appetizers. It is good to serve white sparkling wine or champagne with oysters, lobsters or lobsters. Sparkling wines also go well with desserts, ice cream, pate and fruit. It is considered bad form to drink wine with soup; it is permissible to take only a couple of sips before starting the meal. If we talk about cheese, then it all depends on the type of cheese. Georgian dry red wine is often served with sharp cheeses, while delicate and light cheeses are combined with white wine.

If you have forgotten which type of wine is preferable to drink with a particular dish, you can remember two simple rules. First: red wine is served with red meat, and white wine with white meat. Sometimes this isn't true, but more often than not you'll be right. And second: simple food goes well with complex wines, while many gourmet dishes, on the contrary, require serving simple wines that cannot overwhelm the taste of the dish.