Georgian Wine

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Wine has been produced in what is now called the Republic of Georgia for thousands of years, making it one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world. It’s situated between the Caucus Mountains and the Black Sea, bordering Russia, Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. Many native grape varieties existed in the countrysides, and were eventually used for wine. 9000 year-old archeological findings indicate wine production, and the Georgian word “ghvino” is said to be the root of “vin,” “vino,” and eventually, “wine.”

Wine production continued through the centuries as empires grew and nations claimed territories. In the 6th century, the Ikhalto monastery and academy was founded near Telavi. With wine production playing an important role in the newly-founded Christian religion, Ikhalto became an important center of viticulture and even established a wine academy. Georgia became a largely Christian nation and as a result, was mostly left alone during the Crusades. During the Ottoman occupation starting in the 11th century, most of this part of the world was sent into prohibition according according to Muslim law. But Georgia was able to continue most of its wine production because the rules made allowances for Christian sacramental wines.

Georgian wines abounded until the worldwide Phylloxera epidemic, after which it languished for a couple of decades. When it became part of the USSR, wine-making efforts were enforced to supply Russia and the other soviet nations. Though Georgia officially gained independence in 1991, relations with Russia have been contentious. In 2006, Russia enforced a lasting ban on Georgian wines, which has had a profound effect on the industry. New export markets are continuing to be explored, especially in the US and UK. Georgia already suffered from a poor economy, and commercial wine is often considered too pricey for local consumers, who often prefer to make their own wine. This “backyard wine” is produced by crushing every part of the grape, seeds, skins, and all, and placing this into large earthenware amphorae called “kevevri,” then buried up to the neck in soil and sealed with wax. Nothing else is added; the fermentation occurs between the wild grape yeasts and temperatures of the earth the kevevri are buried in. They are unsealed and consumed months later.

Despite marketing obstacles, wine is still produced in almost the entire republic, save the areas in the remote highlands. It is broken down into five main viticultural zones: Kakheti, Kartli, Imereti, Racha-Lechkumi, and the Black Sea Coast.

The leading grapes in Georgia are the white Rkatsiteli and red Saperavi. Other popular indigenous grapes are Kakhuri, Alexandrouli, Aladsturi, Keduretuli, Ojaleshi, and Usakhelouri for reds. Whites consist mainly of Chinuri, Mtsvani, Tetra, Tsitska, and Tsolikouri. Popular international varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, etc. are also cultivated in Georgia, often blended with local grapes.

– Description from Amanda Schuster (hide)

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Alazanis Valley Red Blend Semi-Sweet Red

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Varietals Produced in Georgia View all

Merlot

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Rkatsiteli

Not widely known about in western markets, this ancient white grape variety is broadly distributed across eastern Eur...
King
Mtsvane
Saperavi

Subregions of Georgia

Kakheti

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Georgia on Snooth

April 2013

Teliani Valley Tsinandali White Dry 2010

Snoothrank:

Nice fruit taste and clear.Good combine with seafood. Read More

Wine review by jolajola
April 2013

Kindzmarauli Marani Saperavi Mukuzani 2010

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No written review

Wine review by ewamichal
April 2013

Badagoni Manavi Dry White 2007

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Wine review by martins2002
January 2013

Mildiani Kindzmarauli Red Mildiani Kindzmarauli Rep. of Georgia 2008

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Wine review by Andrew Kondrashov
November 2012

Teliani Valley Kindzmarauli Saperavi Kakheti Georgia 2010

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November 2012

Marani Kindzmarauli 2010

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November 2012

Nikala Alazani Valley Semi-Sweet White NV

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Wine review by martins2002
October 2012

Nikala Alazani Valley Semi-Sweet Red NV

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No written review

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September 2012

Badagoni Alazani Valley Semi-Sweet White 2008

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August 2012

Mildiani Mukuzani 2008

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Wine review by ApelsecS
Jan 20, 2010

Kakheti bellar Wine Aguna: A red semi dry wine. It went well, but the after taste was horrible.

Comment by 358166Stanley F Zolnoski 358166
Oct 26, 2009

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Georgian wine ratings and reviews

Winery:	Askaneli Brothers
Region:	Georgia » Kakheti
Varietal:	Saperavi
Type:	Table Wines

Winery:	Marani
Region:	Georgia » Kakheti » Mukuzani
Varietal:	Saperavi
Type:	Table Wines

Winery:	Orovela
Region:	USA » Georgia
Varietal:	Mtsvane , Rkatsiteli
Type:	Table Wines

Region:	Georgia
Type:	Table Wines

Winery:	Marani
Region:	Georgia » Kakheti » Mukuzani
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Region:	Georgia » Kakheti
Type:	Table Wines

Winery:	Mukuzani
Region:	Georgia » Kakheti » Mukuzani
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Georgian Wine

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Popular wines made in Georgia under $20

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