Winemaking as a way of life in Georgia: varieties, tasting and cooking methods from the best winemakers.

In Georgia, wine is divided into categories without such complex requirements as in France, Italy and some other countries. It takes into account the composition of the land where the grapes grow, the exact compliance with the requirements for the technological process, the sugar content in the finished product and much more.

Semi-sweet red wines

«Kindzmarauli» It is made from Saperavi grapes grown in the Kakheti region of Kindzmarauli. The peculiarity of the finished wine is that cilantro grows here next to the vine. The sugar content of raw materials should be at least 22%, which is facilitated by minerals contained in the soil. This wine is often compared to "Khvanchkara" from Racha. The finished drink has a delicate taste and dark cherry color.

"Alazani Valley" is prepared in kvevri using traditional technologies from varieties grown in the valley of the same name in Kakheti: Alexandrouli, Mujuretuli, Saperavi. Under this name, a low-quality drink is quite often found in Russian stores under this name. In Georgia itself, it is not particularly appreciated, but the real wine “Alazani Valley" has a harmonious, quite pleasant taste. They are made both red and white wine.

"Khvanchkara" is the Georgians' favorite wine, which is made from rare grapes: Alexandrouli and Mujuretuli. It is grown only in the vicinity of the city of Ambrolauri, near the village of Khvanchkara. The finished drink retains its natural sweetness, notes of berries, nuts and fruits are felt.

It is produced in small quantities and is quite expensive. It was him that Joseph Stalin loved most of all.

"Ocaleshi" is a wine from the grape variety of the same name, growing in Megrelia. It has been made since 1933 and is often used as a stand-in for "Khvanchkary". The drink has a fruity taste and a dark ruby color.

"Usakhelouri". A unique grape variety of the same name grows in a limited area in Racha-Lechkhumi. The name comes from the village of Usakhelo. The drink has a pleasant sweetness, a delicate taste with notes of strawberries and a unique piquancy. Among the important characteristics, there is a long-lasting aroma, and this is a sign of premium wine. About a thousand bottles are produced per year, so it is rare and quite expensive to sell.

Dry red wines

Saperavi. The drink from the berry variety of the same name has a very dark garnet color, the Georgians call it black. The taste is a little tart, with notes of red berries and plums. Rarely used in feasts — drunk in large quantities, it increases the pressure. Sometimes there is a semi-sweet, semi-dry and dessert Saperavi.

"Mukuzani" — the name is associated with a village in the vicinity of which Saperavi grapes are cultivated. It has been produced in Georgia since 1888 by the European method. Despite the fact that it is aged until ready in oak barrels for about three years, it is not considered vintage. Georgians love him very much.

"Napareuli" — can be both red and white. It is compared with "Mukuzani", because not only the same variety of berries is used for the production of this wine, but also the place of growth of the grapes from which it is made is located near the village of Mukuzani. But the manufacturing technology is different. The wine is aged in oak containers for about two years. This drink is distinguished by a rich flavor bouquet: notes of the taste of cherry seeds are combined with the aroma of black currant and hints of plum. All this is very harmoniously combined. The color of the wine is rich garnet.

Vintage "Kvareli" is prepared in kvevri from the Saperavi berry variety grown near the village of Kvareli. Aging in oak barrels is at least three years, so the finished drink has a slight sourness and a long aftertaste.

White wines

"Tsinandali" is a dry wine, the "author" of which is considered to be V. Chavchavadze. He began producing "Tsinandali" in the European way in 1814. As is customary in Georgia, the name is associated with the village where this drink was first prepared. Local grape varieties Mtsvane and Rkatsiteli are used for its production. It is aged for about three years in oak barrels until ready. "Tsinandali" has a light fruity aroma and a slight sourness.

"Rkatsiteli" is dry and slightly tart, one of the most popular white wines in Georgia. Its basis is the grape variety of the same name, which is grown throughout the country. "Red twig" is translated from the Georgian language, and grapes and a drink from it are white.

The Georgians have a saying that a drop of nicotine kills a horse, and the Rkatsiteli revives.

"Kisi" is a dry, sometimes semi—sweet, from a rare grape of the same name. It is produced only at three wineries in the country and according to local ancient technologies, and according to European ones. It is often called unique and considered very tasty.

"Krahuna" is produced in the European way from a very rare grape variety grown in Imereti. It has a white-golden color and a pleasant taste, dominated by notes of fruit.

Semi-sweet "Alazani Valley" is prepared from varieties of berries Rkatsiteli and Tetra. This wine is well known outside the country. It is characterized by a harmonious and mild taste, the color of the drink is straw.

"Mtsvane" is a dry wine; it is made according to both European and Georgian technology. The peculiarity lies in the preparation of raw materials for fermentation — the peel of berries remains in the juice. This gives a special flavor and tartness. The grape of the same name is used, grown in the vicinity of the city of Gori.

"Tsitska" is a vintage wine made in Imereti (the Khareba plant) from a rare grape variety of the same name. It is aged for at least five years, thanks to which the natural sweetness is preserved. It has a slight taste of sherry and sourness.

"Sviri" is a dry Imeretian, rare wine. It is made from Krahuna, Tsitska, Tsolikouri grapes. Fermentation of the juice is carried out on the pulp. The finished drink has a straw color, rather dark, differs in the fullness of taste, in which fruit shades predominate.

"Twishi" is a semi—sweet natural. It is made by incomplete oxidation of the substrate from rare Tsolikauri grapes. The place of growth is the Tsager district of the Racha-Lechkhumi region. The finished drink has a light straw color and a delicate taste with notes of fruit.

"Tsolikouri" is a dry vintage wine, popular in the regions of Western Georgia, but it is rare outside the country. The aging period is from six to nine years, but twenty years is considered the best. It is done using different technologies. In the Imereti region, the cake is not used at all or in small quantities during the fermentation period.

It's like enjoying a work of art, a famous painting. Someone looks at it for a long time and thinks, and someone will look and pass by. Also with wine. One will immediately forget what he tried, and the other will remember the unique taste for a lifetime and will find a favorite drink.

Connoisseurs can already determine the grape variety from which the wine is made by taste.

Tasting is carried out at state-owned factories and private wineries, in stores, vinoteks andrestaurants.

In Tbilisi

"Vinoteka" on K. Afkhazi street, 31 is located in the tourist area. The facade of the building is decorated with interesting inscriptions and collages. Unlike many other shops, they offer a good selection of wines for tasting. Sellers tell in detail about the grape varieties and the features of the drink.

"Wine Gallery" is a store on 39 Tsinamdzgvrishvili Street. It is often called a wine cellar, because part of the retail premises is located in the basement, where you can buy wine for bottling. It costs less than what is in beautiful bottles, but it tastes no worse.

A large store "8000 Vintages" with a good assortment of wines for tasting and buying is located on Abashidze Street, 60. Professional staff are always ready to prompt and help with the choice.