Georgianwines.info - The Guide to Georgian wines, Wines from საქართველო , Georgia, Georgien, Қырҭтәыла,Қырҭтәыла Аҳәынҭқарра,Georgie,Gürcistan,Վրաստանը ,גאורגיה Sakartvelo, Saqartvelo

Georgian is a "Cradle of Wine" this is a well known fact. Wine has a philosophical rather than gastronomical meaning in Georgia . Wine is a way of life. One can hardly imagine any festivity in without Wine in Georgia .

When it comes to wine-making, Georgia is blessed. Extremes of weather are unusual: summers tend to be short-sleeve sunny, and winters mild and frost-free. Natural springs abound, and the Caucasian Mountain streams drain mineral-rich water into the valleys. Georgia's moderate climate and moist air, influenced by the Black Sea , provide the best conditions for vine cultivating.

Unique geographical location of the Country makes Georgian Wines unforgettable in taste.

Georgia is one of the oldest wine producing regions of Europe . Grapevine has been cultivated in the fertile valleys of the South Caucasus for at least 7000 years. Because of that the traditions of its viticulture are entwined with the country's national identity. Georgia is believed by many to be the source of the world's first cultivated grapevines, and many also believe that the word wine is of Georgian origin.

Among the best-known regions of Georgia where wine is produced are Kakheti (further divided onto micro-regions of Telavi and Kvareli ), Kartli , Imereti , Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti , and Abkhazia

There are nearly 500 Grape Varieties in Georgia to choose from, only 38 varieties are officially grown for commercial viticulture:

Rkatsiteli (white) is a variety that is so widely grown in Eastern and Central Europe that it ranks third in the world in hectares grown. It is the most important grape varietiy used to make Georgian white wines. It is high in acidity and is capable of producing wines with fine character.
Saperavi (red) produces substantial deep red wines that are suitable for extended aging, perhaps up to fifty years. Saperavi has the potential to produce high alcohol levels and is used extensively for blending with other lesser varieties. It is the most important grape variety used to make Georgian red wines.
Mtsvane (white) is also important in Georgian wines, and is often blended with Rkatsiteli to which it adds a fruity, aromatic balance. In the Georgian language Mtsvane means green.
Alexandrouli (Alexandreuli,Alexsandrouli, red)
Alexandria
Tsolikauri (white)
Tetra (white)
Mujuretuli (red)
Ojaleshi (red) is cultivated on the mountain slopes overhanging the banks of the Tskhenis-Tskali river, particularly in the Orbeli village and Samegrelo district (Western Georgia).
Usakhelauri (red) is cultivated mostly in the Zubi-Okureshi district in Western Georgia.
Izabela (red)
Tavkveri (red)
Asuretuli (red)
Cabernet Sauvignon (red)'
Aladasturi (red)
Tsitska (white)
Khikhvi (white) is grown in Kardanakhi
Dzvelshava
Krakhuna