Aladasturi
Another vine named for its presumed origin (the village of Aladast, in Guria), Aladasturi vines were widespread throughout central Georgia but were largely wiped out by phylloxera. Originally trained to…
Chkhaveri
A western Georgian variety, Chkhaveri is mostly planted near the Black Sea coast in Adjara and especially in Guria, but also in Imereti. Chkhaveri originally was a “maghlari” wine, a…
Khikhvi
The origins of Khikhvi’s name are unknown, but it grows widely in eastern Georgia, especially in Kakheti it originated. Most plantings are on the East-Southeast reaches of the province, on…
Supple, textured, scented reds: if you like this try…
Do you love supple, textured, scented red wines? Love cool-climate Syrah, a Rioja or other good Tempranillo? Or perhaps you favour a New Zealand Pinot Noir or supple European Merlot? With…
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…
Georgian Madams’ Wine Tour: Women in Wine host a series of tastings in London
The Georgian Madams’ Wine tour brings 20 Georgian women to London to present their wines to professionals and enthusiasts. The tour is an initiative of the Association of Georgian Women…
Khikhvi: the ‘unsung hero’ grape of Georgia?
In a country overflowing with native grape varieties, it’s inevitable that the origins of some may fade into obscurity. Khikhvi is one such grape – it grows widely in Eastern…
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…
Usakhelouri: the grape with no name
Usakhelouri was nearly wiped out. During Soviet rule, Georgia’s wine industry was geared entirely towards supplying bulk wine to Russia. This policy put Usakhelouri particularly at risk – it doesn’t…
Ojaleshi
One of Georgia’s oldest vine varieties, Ojaleshi, means “growing on a tree” in the Megrelian dialect of Georgian (ja=tree). It was the dominant variety in the mountainous district of Samegrelo…