Uncorking Georgia - where ancient methods meet modern tastes.

Written By Kiran Uttam

When it comes to wine, Georgia (the country, not the U.S. state) is where it all began. Often hailed as the birthplace of winemaking, its viticultural roots strech back over 8,000 years. In all that time, its safe to say that they’ve mastered the craft. Today, Georgia remains one of the most underrated and captivating wine regions in the world. It’s home to a stunning range of indigenous grape varieties and aincent production techniques that make its wines unlike anything else you’ll find in your glass. Ever heard of Qvevri?

So, what exactly makes Georgian wines so special?

Winemaking in this country is a beautiful mixture of aincent winemaking traditions, unique grapes and styles with minimal intervention.

The answer begins with the unique winemaking process of using Qvevris…

The traditional winemaking process, using clay vessels called Qvevris buried underground, is still practiced today and is often what makes Georgian wine so distinctive. These large, egg-shaped clay vessels have a profound impact on the wine, influencing both its flavor and texture, here’s how:

1. Skin Contact & Tannin Extraction

In traditional Qvevri winemaking, white grapes are often fermented with their skins, stems, and seeds, leading to amber (orange) wines with tannic structure, deep color, and complex aromas. Red wines can also be fermented in Qvevris and gain extra depth as well as a smooth texture from prolonged skin contact.

2. Micro-oxygenation & Texture

Clay is porous, allowing a gentle exchange of oxygen similar to oak barrels but without adding woody flavors. This softens the wine’s tannins and enhances mouthfeel while preserving the wine’s unique flavour.

3. Temperature Regulation

As Qvevris are buried underground, they naturally maintain stable fermentation temperatures, leading to slow, controlled fermentation and better preservation of aromas, giving more intense and pure flavours to the wine.

4. Distinctive Flavors & Earthiness

Wines fermented in Qvevris often develop unique earthy, nutty, and spicy notes, along with deep fruit and floral characteristics. The natural yeast fermentation further enhances complexity and adds a rustic, unfiltered charm.

Qvevris help create wines with depth, texture, and a strong sense of place, making Georgian wines stand out from wines produced in more traditional methods.

…Georgia also has over 500 native grape varieties, the majority of which you wont find outside the country!

Unlike many wine producing countries, Georgia’s sense of place is rooted in its use of native grape varieties. Little to no international varities such as Sauvignon Blanc or Merlot are found here. Georgia has over 500 native grape varieties, many of which are exclusive to the region or rarely found outside of it (with Saperavi being the most commonly found outside of Georgia in countries including Australia and the USA).

If Georgian wine is a mystery to you but you love certain international wine styles, here are some helpful tips to find varieties you might enjoy:

If you like Cabernet Sauvignon → Try Saperavi

  • Saperavi is Georgia’s most famous red grape. Like Cabernet Sauvignon, it has bold flavors, deep color, and great aging potential. Expect notes of dark berries, plums, spice, and a rich, full-bodied structure.

If you like Pinot Noir → Try Tavkveri

  • Tavkveri is a lighter-bodied red wine with fresh red fruit flavors, floral notes, and soft tannins, similar to Pinot Noir but with an extra hint of earthiness.

If you like Syrah/Shiraz → Try Shavkapito

  • Shavkapito produces spicy, aromatic reds with dark fruit flavors and a touch of pepper, much like Syrah.

If you like Chardonnay → Try Tsolikouri

  • Tsolikouri is a fresh, medium-bodied white wine with notes of citrus, peach, and floral aromas, reminiscent of unoaked Chardonnay.

If you like Riesling → Try Rkatsiteli

  • One of the most widely grown white grapes in Georgia, Rkatsiteli has high acidity, green apple and citrus notes, and excellent aging potential, similar to Riesling.

If you like Orange Wines → Try Kisi or Mtsvane

  • Kisi and Mtsvane are often used to produce Georgia’s famous amber wines, which are full of texture, spice, dried fruit, and nutty flavors—perfect for fans of skin-contact white wines.

What next?

Georgian wines are becoming increasingly more popular and gaining the recognition they deserve. They offer a fun opportunity to experience flavors and styles that differ from the mainstream, irrespective of what your preferences are. Whether its bold reds, crisp whites, or experimental orange wines, there’s something in Georgia’s incredible selection of indigenous grape varieties that you’re guarenteed to love!

We have our own selection of extremely tasty and fun wines that we know you’ll love so browse the shop, reach out with any questions, and happy drinking!

Kiran Uttam