PDO 101: Sviri
Sviri PDO is in the central west of Georgia in Imereti, extending along the left bank of the Kvirila river. The vineyards stretch across the northern slopes of the southern…
PDO 101: Manavi
Manavi PDO lies in outer Kakheti, at the foot of the southern slopes of the Gombori Mountains. Its vineyards are at altitude – between 450-800 metres above sea level. But…
PDO 101: Tsinandali
Tsinandali PDO is in Kakheti, Georgia’s main winemaking region, lying to the east of Tiblisi. It’s is near Telavi, Kakheti’s main town. The PDO stretches from the wooded north-eastern foothills…
Brought back from the edge of extinction: Jani
Jani was very nearly lost to the phylloxera outbreak of the late 19th century. How appropriate that the name ‘Jani’ means ‘powerful’ – because it took great power and determination…
Can you pronounce Otskhanuri Sapere?
Otskhanuri Sapere (oh-sah-kh-ah-noo-ree sah-pear-eh) is thought to be one of Georgia’s oldest grape varieties – which is really saying something in a country bursting with ancient grapes. Otskhanuri Sapere is…
Usakhelouri: the grape with no name
Usakhelouri was nearly wiped out by the communists. During Soviet rule, Georgia’s wine industry was geared entirely towards supplying bulk wine to Russia. This policy put Usakhelouri particularly at risk…
Red or rosé? Try rare and delicious Chkhaveri
Chkhaveri is a rare but fascinating grape. It was originally a “maghlari” vine, trained to grow up trees, and was described in Ampelography of Georgia as ‘light and pleasant’. Published in…
A grape by any other name: Tsitska
If you’re looking for a high-quality, soft and approachable white wine, then look no further than Tsitska. Indeed, in upper and central Imereti, Tsitska is principally used to make sought…
Nearly wiped out by phylloxera: try rare but resurgent Aladasturi
Aladasturi is a famous grape in Georgia, oft quoted in Georgian folklore and literature. The vine species appears in a number of Georgian poems, novel, songs, proverbs and sayings, though, as…
Georgian Wine Series: upcoming digital events
This month we’re kicking off the Georgian Wine Series, a collection of digital events co-hosted by Sarah Abbott MW on behalf of Swirl in the Cloud. The series will feature…