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 of the five key winemaking regions in Georgia. The Kartli vineyards are located in the river basins, hundreds of meters above sea level, bisected by the river Kura. In the past, this grape was co-fermented with the delicate red grape, Tavkveri, making a wine known as Khidistauri. Lagvinari makes an excellent Goruli Mtsvane.
Goruli Mtsvane exhibits considerable intra-variety variability – but when it’s done right, it’s delicious. Expect delicate aromatics: the wines typically have notes of lime, honey, wild herbs and white flowers. Made on its own or in a coupage with Chinuri, it makes gorgeous sparkling wines; the still examples are often blended with Rkatsiteli or Chinuri to bolster its structure. One of Georgia’s lighter-bodied wines, Goruli Mtsvane is best drunk when young and fresh, when its floral, lime, and subtle honeyed notes are crisp and most vibrant. Goruli Mtsvane is also blended with Chinuri and Budeshuri Tetri for sparkling wines, most notably the PDO Atenuri.
