Overview
Georgia invented orange/amber wine 8,000 years ago. Rkatsiteli fermented and macerated for 6 months on skins in buried qvevri produces amber wines of extraordinary tannin structure, dried fruit and spice complexity — unlike anything in Western winemaking. Saperavi, Georgia's great red, produces intensely coloured, age-worthy reds.
In The Glass
- Colour
- Medium copper-orange
- Nose
- Dried apricot, Orange peel, Walnut, Saffron and Beeswax.
- Palate
- 8,000 years of history in a glass — amber, tannic, wholly unique. Generally medium-bodied, crisp acidity, medium tannins, dry, with a long finish.
Tasting Profile
Body Medium3/5
Tannins Medium3/5
Acidity Crisp4/5
Sweetness Bone Dry1/5
Alcohol Medium3/5
Grapes
RkatsiteliMtsvaneSaperavi
Aromas And Notes
Dried apricotOrange peelWalnutQuinceSaffronBeeswaxChamomileDried herbsLeatherEarthTobaccoSpice
Terroir
Continental — Alazani valley, Caucasus mountain protection, hot summers, cold winters.
Clay-limestoneSandy loamGravel
Food Pairings
Mtsvadi (Georgian BBQ)Lobiani (bean bread)Sulguni cheesePhali (walnut spinach)
Notable Producers
- Pheasant's Tears, founded 2007 - Rkatsiteli Amber
- Château Mukhrani, founded 1878 - Rkatsiteli Reserve