If Rkatsiteli is the white grape of eastern Georgia, then Tsolikouri is the white grape of western Georgia. Pronounced sol-li-kori, Tsolikouri is planted throughout Imereti. The region is packed with small producers producing traditional-Georgian-style wines, with the result that some of the country’s most exciting grape varieties are found in this area – including Tsolikouri.…
In a country overflowing with ancient grape varieties, Krakhuna is one of the oldest. And is happily easier to pronounce than many other Georgian grapes! Indigenous to Imereti in the west, ‘Krakhuna’ means ‘crisp’ in the local Imeretian dialect. It’s an appropriate nickname for this high-acid grape, which winemakers often describe as ‘crunchy’ in texture.…
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’, appropriately matching the blush red-yellow-green the grapes turn as they ripen. Some winemakers even call Chinuri ‘Chinebuli’. Chinuri is one of the most important white…
The beauty and cultural richness of Georgia is finally gaining Western recognition – and not a moment too soon. Tbilisi’s appeal is providing an important opportunity for Georgian winemakers to get their wines in front of multi-cultural, multi-national consumers. That’s why we were so excited to see Tbilisi featured in an article in The Sunday…
Georgia is a small country, but the climatic and topographic variation is huge. You can find a spot to grow almost anything in Georgia, from tea to walnuts. (It’s one reason the country has been coveted by hungry and much larger neighbours throughout history.) Every wine style is possible in Georgia, but the one that’s really…
New findings from a research project conducted by an international team of scientists have confirmed that the beginnings of viticulture and winemaking can be traced to around 6000 B.C., in Georgia. Image courtesy of: Early Neolithic Wine of Georgia in the South Caucasus Previous evidence suggested that the earliest signs of winemaking dated to around 5400 –…