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…
A well kept secret of sweet wine lovers: Khvanchkara AOC
If you have even a passing interest in sweeter wines, then you have to know about cult wine Khvanchkara AOC. Khvanchkara is a semi-sweet red wine from this small appellation…
Chinuri: Georgian sparkling wine
The name ‘Chinuri’ is derived from the word chinebuli, meaning ‘excellent’ in Georgian. It refers to the grape’s reputation for excellence in terms of appearance, colour and flavour. Chini also means ‘reddish-green’,…
Rkatsiteli: *almost* a household name
If you’re at all interested in Georgian wine, then you’ll almost certainly have heard of Rkatsiteli. A white grape used to produce both traditional Georgian-style and European-style wines, it is…
Goruli Mtsvane – a white grape to watch
Goruli Mtsvane (pronounced Go-roo-lee Mah-ts-vah-nay) may not be as well known as its white counterparts Rkatsiteli or Kisi, but its well worth seeking out. Goruli Mtsvane originates from Kartli, one…