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Soul in a glass: ten best wines of Georgia
Georgia is a country of magnificent sunny wines, the musical names of which caress the ear and give birth to warm feelings in the heart. Let’s remember together the best wines of Georgia and choose the right gastronomic pairs for them.
Glitz and glory
Perhaps the most famous wine of Georgia, as well as far beyond its borders, is “Khvanchkara”. The undying glory of the red semi-sweet wine was brought by a unique harmonious taste with bright raspberry notes and refreshing floral nuances. Its deep dark ruby color enchants, and a long aftertaste gives a pleasant feeling. The fullness of the bouquet can be enjoyed by combining wine with white meat, fried game, soft cheeses and eggplant baked with nuts.
The Mystery in the Oak Barrel
“Kindzmarauli” – the pearl of the collection of elite red wines of Georgia. It is made from selected varieties of grapes “Saperavi”. To do this, a mixture of crushed berries with seeds is sealed in conical jars with wax, buried in the soil to the neck and kept for two years. So a stunning bouquet is born with tart berry accents and exquisite oak shades. It’s a perfect addition to grilled meats, appetizers, and cheeses. Although with fruits and light desserts, “Kindzmarauli” harmonizes no worse.
Velvet Heart
Among the dry wines of Georgia, the vintage “Mukuzani”, called the royal wine, is particularly distinguished. It is aged in solid oak barrels for exactly three years, thanks to which the drink gets a delicious aroma with rich tones of raspberries and roasted almonds. The soft velvety taste with notes of ripe cherries is revealed in all its glory in a long-lasting aftertaste. This wine will organically complement roast lamb, spicy dishes and tender sheep’s cheese.
Rare frame
If the soul is more attracted to the sweet wines of Georgia, the red semi-sweet “Ahasheni” will be a good choice. It is produced in only one region of the country, which makes the drink unique. Everything is perfect in it: the mysterious garnet color, the captivating cherry-currant bouquet, and the moderately tart taste with chocolate shades. That’s why “Ahasheni” is the perfect match for fresh fruit, coffee desserts and cheeses with blue mold, light snacks, salads with fresh vegetables.
Mature beauty
Connoisseurs of dry red wines should try the noble aged “Saperavi”. It is claimed that the new wine has whimsical sour-milk shades of matzoni. And at the time of its maturity, its bouquet is enriched with refined sweet motifs of black currant and prunes. This fine wine will emphasize the smallest flavors of spicy snacks and meat dishes, especially when combined with fresh herbs.
Eternal Sunshine
The first thing that comes to mind when you mention the white wines of Georgia is the dry “Tsinandali”, which belongs to the category of vintage. The radiant light straw color pleases the eye, and the drink itself exudes a fascinating floral aroma. Its multi-faceted bouquet is dominated by fruit notes with light honey tints, turning into a long aftertaste. This wonderful wine is equally well complemented by poultry, lamb and vegetable snacks phali.
Secrets of the masters
Among the wines of Eastern Georgia, which is rightfully proud of its creations, you can note the dry white “Kakheti”. Juicy grapes “rkatsiteli” and “mtsvane” for it are pressed directly with the skin and bones. Thanks to the special technology and proper aging, the wine acquires a rich acidity, a unique golden-amber hue and an amazing fruit bouquet. Kakheti is usually served as an aperitif. Paired with vegetable salads and seafood, it also sounds nice.
A game of tastes
Connoisseurs of unusual taste combinations will be won over by the table dry “Gurjaani”. This is a vintage wine with an ancient history and a bright personality. Its highlight is a piquant bitterness, which appears due to a special grape variety and long fermentation in oak barrels. It successfully complements the spicy bouquet, revealing its seductive nuances. The balanced taste of “Gurjaani” is perfectly combined with fish, white and red meat, and homemade cheeses.
Perfect harmony
Light white wines of Georgia with an unobtrusive aroma and refreshing fruit taste are represented by another amazing example-the semi-dry table Alaverdi. The sparkling sweetness of the fruit bouquet perfectly matches its lovely light straw color with a deep amber tint. The wine makes a lasting impression in a duet with sea fish in a creamy sauce, with poultry baked with vegetables and goat cheese.
Fruit basket
White vintage wine “Rkatsiteli”, named after the name of the elite grape variety, has an elegant fruity taste. It harmoniously echoes the shades of juicy plums, ripe apricots and pink peaches. In a rich bouquet, there is a fragile weightless sourness. It is she who gives a long caressing aftertaste a unique sound. This wine perfectly complements meat kebabs, grilled game and savory cheeses.
Of course, this is only a small part of the bottomless treasury of Georgian wines. Photos, their characteristics and history can be studied online at any time. We hope you also have something to tell us about your favorite Georgian wines in the comments.
See also:
Champagne: sparkling holiday in a glass
Passion in a glass: Wine country — Argentina
Travel across the ocean: discovering Chilean wines
Wine Guide to Spain
Exploring the wine list of Italy
France-the wine treasury of the world