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What are Tsolikouri and Tsitska?

Two white grapes of Imereti and the west.

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Short answer

Tsolikouri and Tsitska are two white grapes of western Georgia that are often blended: Tsolikouri leads among the whites of the west, while Tsitska grows in upper and central Imereti. Together they form the dry white Sviri wines, and Tsolikouri alone makes the semi-sweet Tvishi.

Georgian wine: regions and grape varieties faq-cover-wine-and-alcohol.png

Why

  1. Tsolikouri originated in Kolkheti (ancient Colchis), with most plantings in Imereti and Guria.
  2. Its wines are medium- to full-bodied with soft acidity, yellow fruit and melon.
  3. Tsitska gives dry wines with quince, melon and pear, sometimes honeyed, and with high acidity it is also made into sparkling wine.

Details

Tsolikouri is blended with Tsitska, and sometimes Krakhuna, for Sviri. Imeretian wines from this pair can have a natural sparkle and a relatively thick structure.

For the method see our answer on qvevri, and for other wines see which wines to bring home.

Tip

To try western Georgia, pick a bottle with Sviri or Tvishi on the label.

What may differ

The blend and style depend on the producer.

Common misconception

Tsolikouri and Tsitska are the same grape.

What actually happens

No. They are two different grapes: Tsolikouri grows across the west, Tsitska in upper and central Imereti, and they are blended in Sviri.

People also ask

  • What is Tsolikouri wine?
  • What is Tsitska?

Sources

This answer is for reference. Taste and style depend on the producer and the vintage.

Georgian wine: regions and grape varieties
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