
Top 9 varieties of Georgian wines
March 25, 2022Top 9 varieties of Georgian wines
Georgia, the birthplace of winemaking, is home to more than 500 varieties of local grapes, which is about one sixth of the total number of grape varieties in the world. Georgia's vineyards include endangered grape varieties that are not found anywhere else on earth. Today, some vineyards have libraries of live vines where visitors can taste wines from rare grape varieties.The Georgian government sponsors a centralized grape library, which is located at the LEPL Agricultural Research Center in Dzhighaur, north of Tbilisi. Vineyards and nurseries contain 437 varieties of local Georgian vines, as well as 350 non-Georgian varieties. Researchers study local varieties to better understand their origin, grape characteristics, disease resistance, and more. The goal is not only to rediscover and identify the lost Georgian grapes, but also to identify the best candidates for the production of quality wines.
TOP VARIETIES OF GEORGIAN GRAPES: SAPERAVI AND RKATSITELI
There are about 50,000 hectares of vineyards in Georgia, of which 75% are occupied by white grape varieties and 25% by red ones. Of course, most of the country's vineyards are planted in the Kakheti region in eastern Georgia, the main wine-growing region of the country. Although there are about 80 grape varieties in Kakheti, the two most famous varieties are Rkatsiteli (white) and Saperavi (red).RKATSITELI
Although it is now grown throughout Georgia, as well as abroad, it is believed that the white grape variety Rkatsiteli first appeared in Eastern Georgia in the I century. Rkatsiteli produces noticeably acidic, but balanced white wines with a full flavor profile and good consistency. Restrained and refreshing, with a crisp taste of green apple, notes of quince and white peach, Rkatsiteli wines are more complex if produced using the traditional Georgian qvevri method. Rkatsiteli grapes are used to produce high-quality table wines, regional wines and wines of controlled denomination. Rkatsiteli grapes are often mixed with the Mtsvane Kahuri variety. Georgian dry white wines and semi-sweet wines are produced from Rkatsiteli.SAPERAVI
This bold grape variety with a deep fruity and at the same time sharp character with sourness, is a unique alternative to everyday reds. Saperavi, the leading red variety in Georgia, is indigenous to this country. Its name means "place of color". This is one of the few grape varieties in the world - grapes with red flesh and red skin. Saperavi wine has a deep inky and often completely opaque color. It has the aroma and taste of dark berries, licorice, grilled meat, tobacco, chocolate and spices. Georgian dry red wines from the Mukuzani region and semi-sweet red Kindzmarauli are produced from Saperavi.OTHER HISTORICAL GRAPE VARIETIES
