Welcoming Summer with Georgian Rosé
Chilled glasses of rosé are true symbols of the summertime! How about tasting something new this season? Georgia, renowned as the cradle of wine, offers a unique array of rosé wines available in the UK.
Don’t let the names of the grapes confuse you - yes, they are unknown, they are indigenous, and they also deserve a place on your table after fighting for their place under the sun for millennia.
The Emergence of Georgian Rosé
While Georgia's winemaking history spans over 8,000 years, rosé is a relatively new addition to its wine repertoire. Traditionally focused on robust reds, ambers and whites, Georgian winemakers have recently embraced rosé, primarily utilising the short maceration method. This technique involves brief contact between grape skins and juice, resulting in wines with delicate hues and nuanced flavors.
However, Georgian rosé isn't confined to this method alone. Unique regional practices and indigenous grape varieties contribute to a diverse rosé landscape:
Khidistauri: Originating from Khidistavi near Gori in the Shida Kartli region, Khidistauri is a blend of red and white grape varieties, typically Tavkveri or Shavkapito with Chinuri or Goruli Mtsvane.
Chkhaveri: Hailing from western Georgia, Chkhaveri is a pink-skinned grape that produces rosés ranging from pale pink to brick red. Its versatility allows for various winemaking styles, from light and aromatic to more robust expressions.
Top 6 Georgian Rosés to Taste in the UK
For those eager to explore Georgian rosé, here is a selection available to UK consumers:
1. Château Askana Tete De Cuvee Sparkling Wine
Grape: Chkhaveri
What to Expect: This sparkling rosé showcases a tender pink color, perfectly balanced acidity, and enticing floral and tropical fruit aromas.
Where to Buy: GeoNaturals
2. Gvantsa’s Aladasturi Rosé Qvevri
Grape: Aladasturi
What to Expect: A low-intervention wine crafted in the Imereti region, this rosé offers notes of raspberry, cranberry, and white pepper, with medium acidity and a light spiciness on the palate.
Where to Buy: Oxford Wine Company
3. Shumi Saperavi Rosé
Grape: Saperavi
What to Expect: Made from 100% Saperavi grapes, this semi-dry rosé is light pink, with pronounced strawberry, raspberry, and cherry aromas. The taste is smooth and harmonious, with a pleasant sweetness and lively acidity.
Where to Buy: Taste of Georgia
4. Ori Marani Revoir Un Printemps
Grapes: Aladasturi, Chkhaveri, Tsitska
What to Expect: This dark pink rosé boasts exotic aromas with hints of melon and passion fruit, complemented by nuances of spices and flint. The palate is rich, fresh, and complex, featuring grapefruit, pomegranate, and white pepper, followed by a crisp finish.
Where to Buy: The Sampler
5. Giuaani Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
What to Expect: Intense, very fruit-forward rosé, with characteristic herbaceous hue; smooth and broad on the palate. If you have never tasted Cabernet Sauvignon from Kakheti, this is a very interesting option!
Where to Buy: Georgian Wine Shop
6. Mildiani Saperavi Premium Rosé 2021
Grape: Saperavi
What to Expect: This dry rosé is made from Georgia’s iconic Saperavi grape using a gentle maceration technique. The wine shows a vibrant pink hue and opens with delicate aromas of red berries, cranberry, and rose petals. On the palate, it’s crisp and refreshing, with juicy acidity, subtle minerality, and a clean, dry finish—an elegant choice for summer lunches or aperitif moments.
Where to Buy: Wine Origins UK
Serve them all as you would serve your rosé: chilled.
If you need more detailed serving tips, take a look at this article of ours and find fresh ideas for British food and Georgian wine pairing here. We want to make Georgian wines more accessible for you, so feel free to taste them and share your opinions with us!
