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Not so long ago I became a big fan of Georgian wines and I recommend them to my friends for tasting. One of them, Lesha, made me laugh. In his opinion, not only do they not know how to make wine in Georgia, but they also make it from low-quality raw materials.
As a result, our meeting with barbecue and live beer almost ended in a showdown!
Lesha assures me that if you drink wine, then only French or Italian. I decided not to change my new sympathy for the time being and go deeper into the technique of producing Georgian wines.
Where is wine produced in Georgia?
The main region of Georgian winemaking is located in the eastern part. It was in Kakheti that the first factory, Chateau Zegaani, was built in 1820. Since that time, local winemakers have adopted the tradition of naming products after the village where the crop was harvested.
For example, my favorite Tsinandali (Tsinandali) got its name in honor of one of the 15 production zones in Kakheti – Tsinandali.
One of the most valuable souvenirs I brought from Georgia.
At the moment, there are 12 wineries operating in Georgia. The newest among them is Hevelli. It was opened in 2014 in Kakheti, near the famous Alazani River.
Among tourists and connoisseurs of exclusive wine, the most popular is the wine company named after. Tsereteli. Such a bottle of alcohol is accepted as a kind of touch to the work of the great Zurab Tsereteli. To my regret, I did not get to know such an exhibit, but, according to rumors, the price of this wine is very high.
My personal collection of corked Georgian wine, disapproving of my comrades!
What is wine made in Georgia from?
Georgian wine is made from grapes grown in numerous local vineyards. Having delved into the history and the process of creation, I managed to find out an interesting fact. Rare varieties of grapes are grown in Georgia, from which such unique bouquets are obtained in taste.
In fact, there are more than 500 grape varieties used in Georgian winemaking! This is probably a record number in comparison with competitors.
Among the extensive list of types of grapes, there are the most popular:
- in Georgia, red wine is especially excellent if it is made from mujuretuli, alexandrouli and ojaleshi;
- for the production of white wine, the use of such grape varieties as mtsvane, goruli and tsitska is popular.
One of the best representatives of Georgian fruit wine.
I was surprised that of the varieties that are popular all over the world, Georgian winemakers mainly use only one – saperavi. Merlot, Isabella and others similar in popularity do not appear much.
Another non-standard fact about winemaking in Georgia! In addition to grapes, fruit trees (pear, apple, fig) are actively grown. Ripe harvest serves as an additional ingredient in the production of wine. This is the secret of the presence of fruity notes in the bouquet.
White wines
As much as I do not like white wine, but even here the Georgian winemakers were able to please me! Of all the things I have tasted, I would especially like to note:
- Tsinandali (Цинандали). My favorite among white wines, I already mentioned it in my story. Dry, but without unpleasant acid. The taste is very subtle, straight for aesthetes! In color – light straw, fruity aroma. A wine that is aged in oak barrels for at least 3 years to achieve a unique taste and complex bouquet. The cost is 490 rubles.
The undisputed leader among white Georgian wines.
- Ereti (рети). A masterpiece made from a duo of varieties – Mtsvane and Rkatsiteli. The drink is prepared exclusively from grape juice of the first fraction. Dry, but not tart. The taste is velvety yet refreshing. The wine has a light straw hue, notes of fruits of fruit trees can be traced in the bouquet. Bought for 535 rubles.
Frequent guest of my home banquets!
- Tvishi. Semi-sweet, produced by non-standard technology – incomplete fermentation. The main component is the Tsolikouri grape variety. It is grown only near the Rioni River. It has a characteristic fruity aftertaste, a straw-colored dark shade, the bouquet is very bright and rich. The price per bottle varies from 800 to 860 rubles.
Wine grown near the Georgian river.
Although the line of white Georgian wines was a pleasant surprise, but, like most men, I prefer red ones. However, for a change, I recommend moving away from the usual choice of alcohol and paying attention to the names I have listed.
Red wines of Georgia
I am a big connoisseur of red wines! And in this weakness of mine, Georgia notably pleased me. It was quite difficult to choose the Top 3 best for my taste, but still I will focus on these brands:
- Khvanckara (Хванчкара). Excellent semi-sweet wine. It is named after the village of Khvanchkara, near which 2 varieties of grapes grow on the mountainside – mujuretuli and alexandrouli. A drink of juicy ruby color, an unusual attractive aroma, raspberries are felt in the aftertaste. I bought a bottle for 2135 rubles.
The most expensive wine in my collection.
- Kindzmarauli (Киндзмараули). Semi-sweet made from saperavi. I managed to find out that this wine was originally planned as an analogue of Khvanckara (Khvanchkara). However, due to the production on different grape varieties, master winemakers managed to create a separate unique drink. The color resembles ripe cherries, the aroma is complex, the taste is velvety with a slight sourness. The price is only 600 rubles.
Velvety cherry-colored wine.
- Akhasheni (ххшени). Another decent semi-sweet red. Produced from Saperavi. But it is for this drink that grapes are harvested exclusively by those that grow near the village of Akhasheni. The color of the wine is dark, reminiscent of overripe cherries. Fruity notes can be traced in the aroma, and a slight aftertaste of chocolate in the taste. I bought a bottle of 0,75 liters for 450 rubles.
Unusual wine with chocolate aftertaste.
I appreciate Georgian red wine very much because it suits absolutely any dishes and even desserts. A universal option for both meat and fish, and for a sweet romantic dinner with a woman.
It is probably impossible to make me doubt the wonderful taste of Georgian wine! I was recommended to replace it with French or Italian, supposedly they are better. I would like to read your advice, as well as opinions specifically about the wine of Georgia. Not sure yet if I should change my favorite spirits.
Dear readers, remember that alcohol abuse harms your body. Take care of yourself!