Last week it became known that Georgian wines finally return to Russia. We have collected the main varieties of Georgian wines - someone will remember the once beloved, but almost forgotten taste, and someone will have the opportunity to discover it for the first time.
1. "Kindzmarauli" - high-quality red semi-sweet wine with an intense color of overripe cherries, a varietal bouquet, a delicate, harmonious, velvety taste. One of the most famous wines of Kakheti. Produced since 1942. Connoisseurs note that Kindzmarauli goes best with grilled meat. In addition, the wine goes well with desserts and fruits.
2. "Tsinandali" - a special white wine, the pride of Georgian winemakers, light straw color, with a wonderful fruity bouquet, mild delicate taste. Produced since 1886 at the country's oldest winery.
3. "Khvanchkara" - the pearl of natural semi-sweet wines, the pride of Georgian winemakers, a multiple winner of international competitions and wine tasting, with an elegant dark ruby color, a highly developed bouquet and aroma, a harmonious velvety taste with raspberry tones. Favorite wine comrade Stalin.
4. "Saperavi" - not only red wine, but also a variety wine grapes. The wine has an intense, thick dark garnet color, a kind of harmonious taste, pleasant astringency, developed bouquet. Produced since 1886. Saperavi is recommended for fatty dishes of Georgian cuisine.
5. "Tbilisuri" - white semi dry wine. light straw color, harmonious combination natural sweetness, acidity and aroma of grapes give the wine freshness and softness of taste. It is recommended to combine wine with Suluguni cheese, fish and fruits.
6. "Akhasheni" - excellent red semi-sweet wine with a strong pleasant bouquet, bright dark pomegranate color and a rare harmony of taste properties with chocolate tones. Produced since 1958.
7. "Hereti" - natural dry white wine, light straw color, aroma with fruit tones, fresh and harmonious taste. Produced since 1977. It is an excellent aperitif, and is also served with seafood and vegetable salads.
8. "Mukuzani" - one of the best dry red wines, dark pomegranate color, with a pronounced fruity aroma and complex bouquet, has a soft velvety taste and a harmonious fine aftertaste. Produced since 1888. Mukuzani is considered the best Georgian wine made from Saperavi grapes. It differs in that it is aged for a long time in oak barrels - at least three years. Best paired with meat.
9. "Kakhetian" - natural dry white wine produced in Georgia since 1948. The wine has a golden-amber color, high extractivity and a specific fruity aroma.
Flowering foothills, harsh rocky ridges, subtropical Black Sea climate - God Himself created all the conditions in Georgia for growing vines. Georgians have a reverent, almost religious attitude towards winemaking. Georgian wines are well-deservedly popular all over the world. Unfortunately, the opportunity to enjoy the true taste of pure products does not always fall out: a significant part of Georgian wines on the shelves of supermarkets is a fake. The famous Khvanchkara wine is no exception. How to distinguish a fake without being a specialist in this field? Let's turn to the advice of experts.
The best Georgian wines
Throughout Georgia, you cannot find a region, village and house where local wine is not produced or consumed, but Kakheti is considered the most wine-growing region. It is the Kakhetian technology, according to which the pulp is not separated from the juice during fermentation (unlike the technologies adopted in other wine-producing countries), that distinguishes the taste of Georgian wine from the rest. Vessels for fermentation - qvevri, which are buried deep in the ground, are used only in Georgian winemaking. Wine in Georgia is made from exceptional grape varieties that bear fruit only here and nowhere else. Georgians name their wines, with rare exceptions, not by the name of the grape variety, but by the name of the area in which it grows. This, by the way, is one of the rules for determining a fake. The inscription “wine is made from Khvanchkara grapes” should not be on the original in principle. The best Georgian wines, they are also the most famous, are:
- White dry: Tsinandali, Gurjaani, Rkatsiteli.
- Red dry: Kvareli, Mukuzani, Saperavi
- Canteens: Tibaani, Teliani, Napareuli.
- Semi-dry: Pirosmani, Barakoni, Akhmeta, Tetra.
- Red semi-sweet: Khvanchkara, Kindzmarauli, Akhasheni.
Khvanchkara - princely drink
Khvanchkara is a red wine that belongs to the category of naturally semi-sweet. This means that no sugar is used in its production. The name of the wine was named after the wine-growing area. It was known as princely because for a long period it was made according to their own recipe and for their own use by local princes brothers Kipiani. Mujuretuli and Alexandrouli grape varieties acquire the necessary bouquet only in this region. Attempts to grow them in other places have failed: the taste is lost completely. Vintage authentic wine Khvanchkara is a drink with the taste of red berries, which merges with hints of caramel, almond, blackberry, rose, walnut, violet, dried fruit. Color - rich ruby, shimmering purple. Khvanchkara fortress - 10 - 12 o, sugar content - 5%.
Why fake?
Most often, it is dry ones that are unprofitable to fake - it is more difficult and expensive to imitate the natural astringency of dry wine, and in semi-sweet astringency is muffled by sweetness, but still it is noticeably noticeable. This also applies to Khvanchkara wine. How to distinguish a fake taste? Of course, this is easy for an experienced taster. The average consumer should remember - if sourness appears in the taste, and not pleasant astringency, the wine is most likely not real.
As already mentioned, which gives an amazing drink called Khvanchkara, grows in a very limited area. Due to the small amount of harvest, even in favorable weather conditions, a relatively small amount of exclusive wine is produced: no more than 10 thousand bottles per year, some of them are export lots. Nevertheless, bottles with the name of this brand can always be found on the shelves of supermarkets.
What exactly is fake?
There are several ways to falsify. Some of them are harmless, spoil the taste, but do not harm health, and there are outright fakes. What do traders do to make a profit?
- High-quality real or with another, cheaper (white) variety.
- Under the brand of expensive wine, other, cheaper varieties are made from other grape varieties.
- Fruit and berry semi-finished products are added to real wine.
- Brazen fakes, when the composition of the drink contains alcohol, dye, water and flavor, are, fortunately, rare. This is no longer just a "divorce", but a direct threat to health.
Where is the real Khvanchkara wine? How to distinguish a fake before the tasting? We look at the price, label and bottle.
Value for money
The main criterion that determines the authenticity of Khvanchkara wine is the price. This is exactly the case when good does not come cheap. The favorite wine of the “leader of all peoples” and the visiting card of the country of Georgia is a rarity today. Estimated price - 40-50 dollars a bottle.
They say it's much cheaper good wine from barrels in peasant farms located in this region, and it is in no way inferior to Khvanchkara factory wine. How to distinguish a fake in this case? Such wines, for family consumption, are usually natural and of high quality. Whether it’s Khvanchkara or not…
Reading the label
Winemaking in Georgia is currently protected by law, what does this mean? The most popular varieties of Georgian wines, including Khvanchkara, whose price is quite high on the world market, have received the right to legally approve their unique technology and secure a designation of origin. The main Georgian wine producers are not allowed to violate this law, otherwise they risk losing their license. Khvanchkara wine can only be produced from alexandrouli and mujuretuli grape varieties, which grow in a limited area of Racha-Lechkhumi. The grape variety must be listed on the label. Not more than 1% of the Saperavi variety is allowed.
Well-known manufacturers do not risk tarnishing their reputation with fakes, so it is better to give preference to well-known companies located in the same region. Experts recommend wines from the brands House of Georgian Wine, Marani, Badagoni, Bugiuli, Dionis Club, Vina Tavadze. The name of the manufacturer and the region must be indicated on the label in an accessible font.
Package
How is Khvanchkara wine packaged? How to distinguish fake wine by bottle? And is it really in principle? Yes, you should carefully examine the bottle itself. For expensive varieties quality wine is used glass container without chips, bumps or scratches. stickers and excise stamp are laid out evenly, without traces of glue. Wine of such a variety as Khvanchkara is not packed in bags. You should also not be deceived by fanciful bottles of the original form, or hidden in weaving: a cheap brand of wine can be hidden behind a beautiful container.
A bottle of Georgian wine - good gift for any celebration, if the wine is real, of course.
Many people appreciate white Georgian wine, the names of many brands of which are difficult to pronounce soberly. Today we will try to briefly highlight this facet of the life of the Caucasus.
Indeed, according to researchers, this drink of the gods has been produced here for more than eight thousand years. This is confirmed by archaeological finds in the territory of Kakheti.
Winemaking in Georgia
Proud Georgians say that you can truly feel the taste of wine only in its homeland. After all, only here more than half a thousand varieties of grapevine are grown, from which white, red, pink, dry, sweet and semi-sweet wines are produced.
It is noteworthy that most of the varieties of this berry are autochthonous and are clearly distinguished by regions. That is, if you want to try real semi-sweet Georgian wine, you will have to go to the area where this grape variety grows.
The founder of winemaking in the country is Alexander Chavchavadze, who at the end of the nineteenth century began to produce this drink. Therefore, some varieties of Kakhetian wines keep centuries-old technologies.
In particular, for this they are considered by European tasters to be coarse and marginal varieties, because they have a very rich taste and aroma. But such a comparison is incorrect, since its roots grow back from medieval traditions. Where else can you taste something similar to the drink that was enjoyed in the era of late antiquity and the Middle Ages in the East.
Grape varieties and regions
The names of white dry Georgian wines are usually given in honor of which they are made from, or the region of production. Let's delve a little deeper into these areas of Georgian winemaking.
You will be surprised, but there is a science that studies grape varieties, as well as changes in their properties under the influence of external factors. It's called ampelography.
So, judging by her reference books, Georgia is the birthplace of more than five hundred varieties of grapes (and there are about four thousand of them in the world). Moreover, many of them, due to the specifics of the national technology of distillation, practically did not go beyond the borders of the country.
So, white wines are made from varieties such as Goruli Mtsvane, Mtsvane, Rkatsiteli, Tsolikauri and Tsitska.
Tasters say that the best representatives of this brand are distinguished by harmonious and delicate taste, as well as individual and easily recognizable aroma.
"Bakhtrioni" - the history of Eastern Georgia
This white Georgian wine got its name from a fortress in Eastern Georgia, which was destroyed in the seventeenth century. Nevertheless, it can be found only in one area where a special grape variety is grown - Mtsvane Kakhetian.
Thus, "Bakhtrioni" is actually a symbol of his native Akhmeta region.
It began to be produced in 1966. Despite the fact that it is the same age as many other Georgian wines, "Bakhtrioni" has not found its niche outside of Georgia. All his fame is limited to several participations in international exhibitions and two gold medals.
It turns out that in order to enjoy a wonderful light-straw drink with a slight greenish tint and a unique aftertaste, you will have to go on a tasting tour to Eastern Georgia.
"Tibaani" - the taste of tea rose
Our next white Georgian wine got its name from a microdistrict in Kakheti. Here it began to be produced in 1948. Like other Kakhetian wines, "Tibaani" has a concentrated, very strong taste and aroma. This is obtained due to a specific cooking technology (in qvevri), which we will talk about a little later.
Nevertheless, the drink was awarded five silver and two gold medals at international competitions.
The taste of this wine is velvety, slightly oily. It contains notes of withered tea rose, raisins and a specific varietal aroma. The color of "Tibaani" is quite dark: amber with a greenish tinge.
"Kakheti" according to an ancient recipe
When people remember white Georgian wine, the name "Kakheti" comes up one of the first. And not only because that was the name of the ancient kingdom on the territory of Georgia.
After all, the production technology of this particular wine is considered the oldest and is used only in this country. Wines created according to these standards are considered coarse and marginal, so they do not receive many awards at exhibitions. However, researchers note high content elements beneficial to health.
"Kakheti" is produced in the following way. Crushed grapes (pulp) are placed in special clay vessels buried in the ground. In Georgian, they are called "qvevri". There, the nectar ferments for three to four months at a temperature of 15 degrees Celsius.
During this time, it is saturated with extractive substances, which give the taste a greater astringency. The taste becomes stronger and richer.
You can feel the notes of local fruits and herbs, as well as an exquisite aftertaste and a pronounced unique aroma.
The wine was awarded one bronze and one silver medal.
Semi-sweet "Tvishi"
White Georgian wine "Tvishi" is without a doubt called the best representative of the line of semi-sweet wines. It has been produced since 1952 and for more than half a century has been able to win the hearts of connoisseurs from many countries.
The grapes from which it is made this drink, is called Tsolikauri. It grows in the area of the same name.
To date, this wine is produced by three different factories. The products of the Kakheti "Teliani-Veli" are considered the best. In second place is the Rachauli Gvino. The Tbilisi winery closes the list.
Why did it receive two silver and one gold medals at competitions? The inhabitants of the village of Tvishi say that this divine nectar is a gift from heaven, and without a doubt the best drink on earth. Many tasters also do not hide their delight. The pronounced fruity notes of this wine appeal to almost everyone who tastes it.
"Alazani Valley"
No wonder this land is sometimes called “black and white Georgia” by tourists. Georgian Saperavi is so saturated in color that it simply cannot be called red. The same variety has a multi-color palette of wines, from straw to almost black.
Today we will talk about semi-sweet white wine of this brand from Rkatsiteli grapes. This drink has an amber color and a pronounced aroma. Refined connoisseurs of light wines will be able to enjoy the "Alazani Valley" in full, because only this drink can be drunk like grape juice. And its effect is comparable to light champagne.
Sommeliers believe that girls will especially like this wine.
"Tetra" from the top three
In this article, we are discussing Georgian wine. White semi-sweet wines are not very common in this country. "Tetra" is in the top three best brands that produce white semi-sweet wine.
In its homeland, the drink is considered quite expensive, so it is not often seen at feasts. This wine got its name from the Rachuli-tetra grape variety. The drink has been produced since 1945 and deservedly enters the top five.
This brand won two silver medals at international competitions.
The shade of the drink is light straw, the taste is fruity with a pronounced aftertaste. Connoisseurs compare "Tetra" with the most harmonious melody.
"Chkhaveri": different opinions
When it comes to Georgian wines, Georgian winemaking (especially in the west of the country) is accused of being somewhat “watery”. Therefore, the opinions of tasters regarding the brand "Chkhaveri" are slightly divided. Perhaps they just tried it from different manufacturers.
So some say that because of a large number excess water in the grapes this wine cannot be highly regarded. Others (the international jury also applies here) respond quite favorably. No wonder this brand received one gold, one bronze and four silver medals at exhibitions.
The drink itself has a pleasant fruit flavor and a light straw color with a slight hint of pink. It has been produced since 1934.
It is believed that this wine can only be drunk slowly in order to enjoy all the notes of the melody.
"Savane" - the energy of the Georgian sun
When talking about varieties of Georgian wines, white semi-sweet wines are a little on the sidelines, because they are radically different from the rest.
For example, the Savane brand, which is very close in taste and production to Tsitska wine, has been produced for more than three decades. It is distinguished by a specific greenish tint, which is superimposed on the standard light straw color of the local wine.
The sweetness inherent in Tsitska grapes permeates this drink and, uniting with the energy of the Georgian sun, gives incomparable pleasure to everyone who decides to appreciate it.
Thus, dear friends, we walked through the bins of some wineries in Georgia. We got acquainted with the majority of brands of white wines, paying special attention to the semi-sweet representatives of this kingdom.
Enjoy life and try to travel more often!
Since ancient times, Georgian wine has been a symbol of divine taste and excellent quality. Today wines produced in Georgia are popular in Russia and other countries. Georgian vineyards are famous huge amount grape varieties, there are more than five hundred of them. It is impossible to imagine Georgia without delicious white wine, the production of which was blessed by God himself. Wine differs from other drinks in incredible taste, delicate aroma, leaving an unimaginable aftertaste that is felt even after taking a small sip. The names of white Georgian wines are the places of its production.
Two technologies are used in Georgian winemaking - ancient and modern (European). They are different from each other. When using the ancient method, the drink has a tart taste, due to the fermentation of the wort with the pulp. Modern technology avoids astringency. When the must is fermented, the pulp is necessarily separated, and the wine turns out to be incredibly delicate in taste. The drink goes well with light salads, cheeses, river trout. With longer exposure, it becomes darker in color, and there is a slightly perceptible astringency. Such taste qualities do not spoil the drink at all.
Wine should be divided into:
- varietal;
- vintage;
- collectible.
No sugar is added during production.
Not only white, but also semi-sweet red wines, which Georgians love, are famous for their magnificence. White grapes are produced from the Goruli Mtsvane, Mtsvane, Rkatsiteli, Tsolikauri and Tsitska grape varieties. The most popular grape variety for red wines is.
Dry white wine, names
This category includes the famous (Tsinandali Georgian wine) - a symbol of the Georgian people. In terms of taste, it is soft, with a plume of a subtle pleasant aroma. Even after a small sip, the aftertaste is felt for a long time. This is only achieved by keeping oak barrel. Incomparable flavor Tsinandali cannot be confused with other wine drinks.
Napareuli is famous for its harmonious and pleasant taste, delicate and delicate fragrance. The light straw shade of the drink looks incredible in the rays of the Georgian sun. Napareuli is preferred by women.
Gurjaani, a drink with a spicy bitterness, but this only adds zest to the taste without spoiling it at all. Even the most experienced wine connoisseur will appreciate the subtle spice of Gurjaani with dignity. It goes well with meat, fish, cheese.
Manavi, vintage wine, which was loved by the guests of sunny Georgia. The harmony of the drink is achieved by a gentle and sweet aftertaste. Manavi is so refreshing that it will be nice to drink it on hot evenings among friends.
Tsolikauri is popular in western Georgia. A special taste with fragrance and euphony is felt after 20 years of aging.
Tsitska Georgian unusual dry white wine, aged seven years. It is the exposure that contributes to the incredible taste, reminiscent of a bright bouquet.
Bakhtrioni is the pride of the Akhmeta region, as it is produced there. It is stored in barrels, aged for 3 years. Bakhtrioni has a harmony of taste unlike any other. A greenish tint gives Bakhtrioni nobility.
Tibaani has an amber hue. The exposure period is not more than two years. Taste qualities amazingly harmonious, divine aroma.
Hereti fascinates with its freshness and taste harmony. The fruity aroma is intertwined with subtle notes of citrus and exotic fruits. Hereti does not require exposure, it is beautiful at a young age. It perfectly complements seafood and light salads.
Rkatsiteli is a dry white table wine with an intense and original aroma. The drink harmoniously combines the sweet aromas of mimosa, grass, white flowers, a hint of citrus. Rkatsiteli has a long aftertaste. Served with vegetables low-fat cheeses, fish and meat dishes.
White semi-dry wine
This is a worthy drink of Georgia. It is dominated by the highest quality, excellent properties, which are noted by connoisseurs and connoisseurs of the wine business. It is made according to two technologies - European and Kakhetian. The European method has taken root perfectly in winemaking. Initially, the raw material is cooled and squeezed using a press. The final stage- fermentation of the drink (use steel special containers). At the exit, the wine turns out to be a light golden color, with a greenish tint, but barely noticeable. The drink has an incredible aroma of fruits, with delicate floral notes. With this technology, a harmony of acidity and sweetness is achieved. There is an aftertaste, with a drop of tropical plume.
In the production of the Kakhetian method, grape juice ferments with pulp, combs. Then the drink is poured over clay kvevri. A mandatory rule is to control the temperature at which aromatic compounds occur. The wine obtained by this method has an amber and golden color. The taste and aroma qualities are in harmony in the drink, so it will appeal to both men and women.
Tbilisuri is a natural semi-dry wine and has an interesting straw color with hints of amber. During production, a combination of sweetness and acidity, freshness and aroma has been achieved.
White semi-sweet Georgian wine (wines)
A special place is occupied by incredibly pleasant semi-sweet brands, which are preferred by women. noted the perfect combination With chocolates and fruits.
The famous Georgian wine that girls love. It is made from several varieties. white grapes. The shade of the drink is amber, the saturation of taste. It is these features that distinguish it from other drinks. It is so light that it is drunk like juice. Light intoxication is comparable to the effect of good champagne.
Tvishi is made from the Tsolikauri grape variety of the same name. The amber shade of the drink fascinates with its beauty. hallmark is a bright fruity aroma.
Tetra is a straw-colored drink with a pleasant taste. The harmony of the aroma will not leave you indifferent, Tetra deserves to take a central place on the festive table.
Chkhaveri, semi-sweet wine with a delicate fruity aroma. The aged light straw color of the drink is intertwined with subtle hints of a pinkish hue. It has an amazing freshness and pleasant aroma, which allows you to drink it in small sips, leaving an unusual aftertaste.
Savane is made from the Citska grape variety. Taste qualities are rich and saturated, which is achieved with the help of piquant sweetness. Savane has a straw color, with greenish reflections.
Akhmeta has a greenish-golden hue. Light spicy notes and a delicate floral aroma are in perfect harmony. It has a long, slightly perceptible berry aftertaste. The drink is served chilled.
“White wines should be drunk from a crystal glass with a thin stem. The aroma will last longer, and the stem will allow you to drink a cool drink without heating it with your hand.”
How not to run into a fake
When buying Georgian wines, you should pay attention to:
- Price. Never a good product will not be sold at discounted prices. The low price attracts the buyer, and he does not think about the quality of the drink when buying.
- Names must be true.
- Fake ones consist of harmful dyes, flavors and diluted alcohol. Even with one sip, you can understand whether natural or fake. The taste of alcohol and the taste of chemistry will be strongly felt.
- Buy only in special stores, do not skimp, because health comes first.
- Carefully read the labels, which should not contain errors, the mandatory presence of all information about the manufacturer, date of bottling and other data.
- Labels must be well adhered, without adhesive smudges.
- Good Georgian white wine is produced only in Georgia.
- Having carefully examined the contents of the bottle, you can see a slight sediment - this is a sign inherent in natural products.
- Quality wine is sold in bottles with a concave bottom.
- The bottle is sealed with a porous cork and can only be opened with a corkscrew.
Only high-quality and good Georgian wine can give pleasure and leave pleasant impressions.
"Good white wine drinks in small quantities beneficial to the body. Having consumed 70 grams, you will stabilize the pressure and improve the work of the heart. The main thing is not to overdo it."
Georgian wine is considered a divine drink, the art of making which is passed down from generation to generation. When visiting Georgia, be sure to try Georgian white wine, because it is in the homeland of the manufacturer that you can appreciate its delicious taste and unsurpassed aroma.
In Georgia today there are two ways of making wine - classic European (grape juice without seeds and twigs is aged in barrels or tanks) and traditional.
By traditional recipe combs, bones, twigs - cake are involved in the fermentation process. This cake along with grape juice ferments in special clay vessels - kvevri. Qvevri are huge - several tons, buried in the ground and hermetically sealed.
When fermentation ends, the wine is separated from the pomace and poured either into barrels for further aging or bottled. Georgian vodka chacha is prepared from cake and sediment.
All wines prepared according to the traditional recipe are rich in taste and smell. These are bright, honest wines. This brightness is given by the stone and cake.
White wine in color - sunny orange. The correct red saperavi flows down the walls of the glass with violet, almost black drops. Wine for everyone. But, if you like bright wines, be sure to try traditional ones.
Georgian wines according to European technology are of high quality, light, drinkable and fragrant.
Wines for export are produced by Teliani Veli, Badagoni, Tbilvino, Bagrationi, Chateau Mukhrani, Viniveria and other large factories. The wines are also excellent and more stable than homemade ones.
But Home wine- a separate song. It all depends on where you taste it. Homemade wine in the village or just at a party is usually sour, unpretentious homemade wine. But almost every liquor store also sells homemade wines. Here's a must-tasting. You will be pleasantly surprised. Only on st. Leselidze (Kote Abkhazi) about 15 wine shops.
Interestingly, draft wines are called homemade in Georgia. And as a rule, these wines are produced just at small chateaus, but they are not bottled. The wines are of excellent quality, but since draft wines are three times cheaper than their bottled counterparts. We drank the best saperavi exactly as “homemade” at 10 GEL per liter.
Georgia mainly produces dry and semi-sweet wines. There are practically no sweet and fortified wines - do not look.
In almost every wine shop you can taste the wine before buying it. It's usually free - feel free to ask.
When you find exactly the one that suits your taste out of a million types of wines in Tbilisi, do not forget about the snack. National Georgian cuisine is a separate song.
