The quality and diversity of Georgian wine was recognised by major wine competitions in June, as results were released by Decanter World Wine Awards, International Wine Challenge, and International Wine and Spirits Challenge.
Six Georgian wines were awarded Gold by Decanter World Wine Awards judges, with 3 reds and 3 amber wines receiving the top medal.
Château Buera’s Reserve Saperavi 2019 was praised for its “sophisticated tannins” and “pretty aromatics”. Judges found charm in Marani’s “crisp” and “inviting” 2020 Saperavi. Relatively new producer Itsis Marani won gold with the rare Mujuretuli grape, grown in Racha. Judges praised this “perfumed and inviting” red, with “plush dark berry, dried strawberry, cherry and succulent tannin.” Teliani’s qvevri-fermented Glekhuri Kisi is a multiple award-winner in recent vintages, and the 2019 was described as “Perfumed and inviting, with aromas of orange, apricot, barley sugar and herb, then to a honeyed palate of citrus which is graced by a long, layered finish.” Tbilvino also won gold with a Kisi: their Kisi Qvevris described as “Very delicate and elegant, with pretty aromas of lifted orange peel, then on to a palate textured with lemon pith, savoury tea and a lovely floral note.” And Gvaramadze winery were awarded gold for their qvevri amber wine, this one made from Rkatsiteli, and admired by Decanter judges for its “generous and aromatic nose” of mango, and “textural palate of dried stone fruit, apricot and silky smooth tannins.”
The Gold tally at the International Wine Challenge was also six, plus two Trophies. Tbilvino’s dry white Kisi Special Reserve 2021 was described as “fresh and intense”, and was awarded the Kisi trophy. A second dry white, Duruji Valley’s Khikhvi won gold for its “silky smooth” and “very fine” palate. The remaining four golds all went to Amber Qvevri wines: Teliani’s Glekhuri Khikhvi 2019 and 2020, and the Kisi 2019 and Rkatsiteli 2019 from Corporation Kindzmarauli. Teliani’s Khikhvi was also awarded the Georgian Wine Trophy.
The IWSC awarded 3 Golds, to “vibrant and textural” Kartuli Vazi Qvevri Rkatsiteli 2020, to “candied quince and grapefruit blossom” scented Tbilvino Qvevris Mtsvane 2020, and to “bold and fleshy” 2018 Satrapezo Saperavi.
In total, 235 Georgian wines were awarded medals by these three major international competitions, recognising the work of more than 40 different Georgian wine producers.
Gaumarjos Georgia! And thank you to the many expert judges for their careful consideration of the qualities of Georgian wine.
For full results, please visit the competitions’ websites, linked above.
