Picking a bottle of Georgian wine for the first time might feel quite daunting, especially if you’re used to wines from classic European regions. No familiar varieties—moreover, sometimes you’re not even sure whether the name on the Georgian wine label refers to a grape or an appellation! Throw in some Georgian letters, and it might look more like elvish runes out of Tolkien rather than something you’d find in Hugh Johnson’s wine guides.
Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Let us help you choose Georgian wine with confidence.
Rule #1. There are well-known appellations, but not too many
The Georgian appellation system has similarities to the European Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) model, linking specific places, human practices and wine styles. However, it is not as intrinsic as the one of Burgundy, for example, so there is no need to memorize dozens of prestigious crus here just yet.
These are the Georgian PDO wine labels you can find in the UK:
Tsinandali – a dry white wine made of Rkatsiteli and Kakhuri Mtsvane grapes, offering elegant aromas of citrus and tropical fruits and lively acidity. Red Tsinandali exists too, but it’s rather a rarity.
Mukuzani – a full-bodied red wine made of Saperavi grape. Traditionally, it was aged in oak to round up its powerful tannins. Expect rich aromas of blackberry, black cherry, bay leaves and spices in a good quality, ageable Mukuzani.
Kvareli – another Saperavi-based red wine, medium to full-bodied, layered, with aromas of dark berries, black cherries and hints of baking spice. Many producers mature it in oak barrels for around 12 months.
Kindzmarauli – bestselling red semi-sweet wine made of Saperavi grape. The best examples balance the sweetness with bright acidity and exuberate the aromas of ripe blackberries and cherries.
Khvanchkara – another semi-sweet red, especially loved in Georgia’s north-eastern neighbouring countries. Made of Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli blend, this medium-bodied wine is aromatic, fruity and very easy to drink.
Rule #2. Varietal naming is the norm
Unlike many European wines, Georgian wines are often named after the variety rather than the place they come from. Expect to see bottles simply labelled after the grape inside: Tavkveri, Rkatsiteli, Saperavi, Kisi, Khikhvi etc.
Some regions often blend several varieties and list them all on the label. The best examples would be Tsitska – Tsolikouri – Krakhuna from the Imereti region, and Chinuri – Goruli Mtsvane from the Kartli region.
Rule #3. Fancy marketing names are rare
Georgian angels don’t whisper. If you spot a poetic or quirky name, such as birds expressing emotions or freshly-bathed dogs, it’s probably the name of a small winery working in the low-intervention style.
Rule #4. Every detail matters
There are no strict rules about what goes where on a Georgian wine label. While German labels shout about the PRODUCER, and Burgundy puts its PRESTIGIOUS VINEYARD front and centre, Georgian labels can mix it all up.
The producer’s name, wine name, vineyard or village, and extra details might all be squeezed onto the front in various fonts—including the Georgian alphabet.
This is the aftermath of the Soviet era when individuality in winemaking was discouraged. Now, Georgian wineries take full advantage of their creative freedom—even if it makes things a little confusing for international drinkers.
We do hope that this little set of Georgian labeling rules will help you pick the best bottle possible! Stay with Georgian Wine UK for more practical information and insights about this exciting winemaking country in the Caucasus.
