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What is Chinuri, and where does this wine come from?

The signature white grape of Kartli.

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Short answer

Chinuri is the signature white grape of Kartli in eastern Georgia, and it makes light to medium-bodied wines in golden, amber or light straw colours. Mukhrani stands out as a place where some of the best Chinuri is still produced. The grape is also used for sparkling wine.

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

Why

  1. Chinuri is the signature white grape of Kartli, where it has been grown for centuries.
  2. The grape originated in Kartli, is also grown in Kakheti, and is famous for the sparkling Atenuri PDO.
  3. The style depends on the method: in qvevri the wine is tannic, with dried pear and apricot, while the European method gives floral and herbal wine.

Details

Flavours: white peach, freshly cut grass and quince, and in qvevri skin-contact versions also peach or quince jam. It is best served well chilled, especially in summer, with fish, salads and fresh fruit. The harvest is usually from late September to early October.

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

Tip

If you want sparkling wine, look for the name Atenuri on the label: it is the sparkling wine based on Chinuri.

What may differ

Style and colour depend on the producer and method, from light straw to amber.

Common misconception

Chinuri is only used for sparkling wines.

What actually happens

No. The grape is famous for sparkling Atenuri, but it is also made into still wines in qvevri or tanks.

People also ask

  • What is Chinuri wine?
  • Where does Chinuri come from?

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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