I tell you how to start understanding Georgian cognac: 10 best ones that can compete even with the French

A couple of months ago, my friend and I decided to sip cognac on a Friday night. We agreed that he would have cognac, and I would have a delicious dinner. No sooner said than done. I cooked steaks with vegetables, but his choice of drink surprised me – he brought an unknown bottle to me with the inscription: “Guguli”.

To my silent question, a friend said that this is a real Georgian cognac! I confess that I heard that this Caucasian people is famous for the preparation of this alcohol, but I thought that it was difficult to find quality in our stores.

I can say that the taste of the drink that evening pleasantly surprised me – rich, soft. Therefore, I decided to find out what other high-quality Georgian cognacs can be purchased in our stores.

Where is brandy made in Georgia?

In 1865, the first attempts to make cognac began in Georgia. George Bolkvadze was engaged in this business. Later, David Zakharievich Sarajishvili joined him. Thanks to his education, experience and knowledge, they managed to develop a unique technology for making a drink.

It was produced exclusively from white grape varieties grown in Georgia. He went through 2 stages of distillation. The technology has survived to this day.

I tell you how to start understanding Georgian cognac: 10 best ones that can compete even with the French

Even in our time, cognacs made according to the Sarajishvili method are considered one of the best. They successfully compete with French ones, although they do not have the right to be called cognacs on the world market – this exclusive right is given only to drinks produced in the French province of Cognac.

At the moment, the Tbilisi Brandy Factory is considered to be the oldest and largest cognac company in Georgia. The current name is OJSC “David Sarajishvili and Eniseli”.

This factory produces the best Georgian drinks according to the recipe of David Zakharievich. The company stores cognac spirit, prepared under the guidance of Sarajishvili himself! The plant still does not stop the production of pre-revolutionary cognac “OS” (“Very Old”).

In addition, drinks are also produced in the Kakheti region at the Eniseli-Bagrationi winery. The best vineyards of the Caucasus are located on the famous Alazani Valley. The best grape varieties for cognac are grown here.

“Kindzmarauli Corporation” is located in the city of Kvareli and produces wine and cognac with 23 years of aging. The enterprise is a winner of international exhibitions.

Features of making Georgian cognacs

The main “feature” of Georgian cognac is that it is made from grape varieties that are recognized by many manufacturers as unsuitable for this because of their taste or color. Are used:

  • Isabel;
  • Muscat;
  • Aligote.

The process of creating cognac is unique for each type and may differ depending on the manufacturer. But the general principles must still be respected:

  1. Harvesting.
  2. Getting juice from grapes. In most cases, the bone remains intact.
  3. Fermentation of juice in vats.
  4. Distillation.
  5. secondary distillation.
  6. Aging in oak barrels (minimum two years).

I tell you how to start understanding Georgian cognac: 10 best ones that can compete even with the French

Sometimes the wine is filtered before the primary distillation. This complicates the manufacturing process, but gives the best taste and aroma to the future cognac.

The exposure time affects the quality, taste and aroma of the drink, the manufacturer indicates this information on the packaging. Usually, the longer the term, the higher the price.

Types and cost of Georgian cognacs

There are 3 types of drinks in Georgian cognacs:

  • collectible;
  • vintage;
  • ordinary.

Ordinary cognac is a drink aged from 2 to 5 years. This information is indicated on the label in the form of asterisks. Five-star cognac can be purchased from 900 rubles per 0,5 liter.

Vintage is divided into 4 types:

  • KV (aged cognac) – from 1300 rubles;
  • KVVK (seasoned cognac of the highest quality) – from 1600 rubles;
  • KS (old cognac) – from 2100 rubles;
  • OS (very old) – from 3000 rubles.

Collectible is of the following types:

  • Eniseli – 15 years old. The price is from 2500 r;
  • Tbilisi – 20 years. Cost – from 4000 r;
  • Anniversary – 25 years. Price – from 5000 r;

For real connoisseurs, I recommend to fork out and buy cognac with a longer exposure. Such drinks have tart tastes that any connoisseur will appreciate in quality.

10 best Georgian cognacs

Next, I want to invite you to familiarize yourself with my TOP of Georgian cognacs. After that evening with a friend, I tried many brands of this drink. I can say that not all drinks have a long aging period, but they are quite high quality and tasty.

I tell you how to start understanding Georgian cognac: 10 best ones that can compete even with the French10 best cognacs from Georgia:

  1. Kartveli (Kartveli) 3 * – 800 rubles;
  2. Dugladze Tbilisi – 2150 rubles;
  3. Vartsikhe, 7 years old – 700 rubles;
  4. Askaneli 4 * – 650 rubles;
  5. Guguli, 7-year-old – 700 rubles;
  6. Colchis XO – 900 rubles;
  7. Amirani Egrisi, KKV – 1400 rubles;
  8. “Sarajishvili” Extra, gift box – 29000 rubles;
  9. Sarajishvili XO, – 5250 rubles (gift wrapping);
  10. Great Mouravi 5 * – 600 rubles.

Despite the democratic cost, I assure you that the quality of these drinks is no worse than the more famous and expensive ones. There are already several bottles of Georgian cognacs in my bar, and I am sure that I will replenish my collection.

Excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to your health. Take care of yourself!

And what brands of Georgian cognac would you advise me to try? Or do you prefer other cognac-producing countries.

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