Winegrower harvesting Saperavi grapes in a sun-lit Kakheti vineyard, Georgia

Explainers & Big Questions Flora and Fauna

Georgian Grape Varieties

Close your eyes and inhale—the heady scent of fermenting chakvad (must) rising from buried qvevri in sunlit Kakheti. With 525+ indigenous varieties, Georgia isn’t just a wine region—it’s the Cradle of Wine.

Main Varietals: Saperavi (ink-black red) and Rkatsiteli (zesty white) anchor Georgia’s terroir alongside hundreds of heirlooms like Kisi, Khikhvi, and Ojaleshi.

Contents

1 Overview of Georgian Viticulture

2 Major Grape Families & Table

3 Signature Reds: Saperavi & Beyond

4 Iconic Whites: Rkatsiteli & Kakhetian Gems

5 Rare & Indigenous Varietals

6 Production & Export Trends

7 Qvevri Winemaking Process

8 Visiting Georgian Wineries

9 FAQ

10 What Did We Learn Today?

Overview of Georgian Viticulture

Georgia’s vineyards span roughly 48,642 hectares across six classical regions—Kakheti, Imereti, Kartli, Racha-Lechkhumi, Guria, and Adjara—each shaped by unique geology and microclimates. Annual precipitation ranges from 500 mm in eastern semi-arid valleys to over 1,800 mm along the Colchis coast, nurturing both drought-tolerant reds and crisp whites.

Soils vary from fertile alluvial loams in the Alazani River plain to rocky marls and sandy loess on the southern Caucasus slopes. Vines grow at elevations from 300 ft (Imereti lowlands) to 2,500 ft (Racha highlands), where cooler nights preserve acidity for qvevri amber and crystalline whites.

Traditional vine density fluctuates between 2,000–3,000 vines/ha, with modern plantations adopting Guyot and cordon training on grafted rootstocks to combat phylloxera and optimize yields (~6–8 t/ha). Over 70% of plantings reside in Kakheti, Georgia’s flagship appellation known for PDO-designated zones like Telavi and Kvareli.

Fun Fact: The Khornabuki plateau in Kakheti sits at 2,300 ft, where ancient terraces yield some of the country’s most elegant Saperavi and Rkatsiteli expressions.

Major Grape Families & Table

Georgia’s vines fall into two broad families: Red varieties (e.g., Saperavi, Aleksandrouli) and White varieties (e.g., Rkatsiteli, Kisi). Below is the comprehensive list of all 529 fully translated local varietals—synonyms, berry color, and primary region.

№	Name	Primary Region	Berry Color
1	Absuazh	Abkhazia	Black
2	Agbizh	Abkhazia	Black
3	Agutolizh	Abkhazia	Black
4	At’asarakva	Abkhazia	Black
5	Akabil	Abkhazia	Black
6	Aklik	Abkhazia	Black
7	Akomshtal	Abkhazia	Black
8	Akubasa	Abkhazia	Black
9	Akumshtal	Abkhazia	Black
10	Akushar	Abkhazia	Black
11	Amgurchal	Abkhazia	Black
12	Amlakhu	Abkhazia	Black
13	Amokhp’izh	Abkhazia	Black
14	Apapnizh	Abkhazia	Black
15	Apuzhera	Abkhazia	Black
16	Aqap’sh	Abkhazia	Black
17	Ashughash	Abkhazia	Black
18	Achkikizh	Abkhazia	Black
19	Atsimlizh	Abkhazia	Black
20	Adznizh	Abkhazia	Black
21	Ats’lizh	Abkhazia	Black
22	Ach’andris ts’it’eli	Abkhazia	Black
23	Akhardan	Abkhazia	Black
24	Akhukhuzh	Abkhazia	Black
25	Kach’ich’i	Abkhazia	Black
26	Petrizhi	Abkhazia	Black
27	Tatlizhi	Abkhazia	Black
28	Amlakhu shavi	Abkhazia	Black
29	Tskhenisdzudzu ap’khazuri	Abkhazia	Black
30	Ts’vindirkhva	Abkhazia	Black
31	Lakoazh	Abkhazia	Dark Blue
32	Khap’shira	Abkhazia	Purple-Pink
33	Khupinizhi	Abkhazia	Purple-Pink
34	Abistazh	Abkhazia	White
35	Avasirkhva	Abkhazia	White
36	Avrekhi	Abkhazia	White
37	At’urk’uzh	Abkhazia	White
38	Akabilizh	Abkhazia	White
39	Akasazh	Abkhazia	White
40	Azhkvakva	Abkhazia	White
41	Azhkhvata	Abkhazia	White
42	Kiamokhta	Abkhazia	White
43	Makhvateli	Abkhazia	White
44	Khunalizhi	Abkhazia	White
45	Khutunizhi	Abkhazia	White
46	Agashkur	Abkhazia	Pink
47	Azhapsh	Abkhazia	Pink
48	Azhemchigh	Abkhazia	Pink
49	Azhia	Abkhazia	Pink
50	Azhigra	Abkhazia	Pink
51	Azhkhap’sh	Abkhazia	Pink
52	Almura shavi	Ajara	Black
53	Bat’omura	Ajara	Black
54	Burdzghala	Ajara	Black
55	Butko	Ajara	Black
56	Sap’eravi vaios	Ajara	Black
57	Kirts’ts’it’ela	Ajara	Black
58	Livanura shavi	Ajara	Black
59	Magara	Ajara	Black
60	Mekrenchkhi	Ajara	Black
61	Mortskhula	Ajara	Black
62	Saliklevi	Ajara	Black
63	Sap’eravi ach’aruli	Ajara	Black
64	Sats’uri	Ajara	Black
65	Tadzigura	Ajara	Black
66	Tqis vazi	Ajara	Black
67	Tqis qurdzena	Ajara	Black
68	K’ork’aula	Ajara	Black
69	Shishveli	Ajara	Black
70	Chitist’vala ach’aruli	Ajara	Black
71	Tskhenisdzudzu ach’aruli	Ajara	Black
72	Ch’ipakuri	Ajara	Black
73	Ch’odi	Ajara	Black
74	Kharist’vala ach’aruli	Ajara	Black
75	Jineshi	Ajara	Black
76	Akhalaki	Ajara	Dark Red
77	Povnili	Ajara	Dark Red
78	Almura t’et’ri	Ajara	White
79	Baghis qurdzeni	Ajara	White
80	Brola	Ajara	White
81	Gorgouli	Ajara	White
82	T’et’ra	Ajara	White
83	T’urvandi	Ajara	White
84	Kaikatsishviliseuli t’et’ri	Ajara	White
85	Kvirist’ava	Ajara	White
86	Klarjuli	Kartli-Ajara	White
87	Livanura t’et’ri	Ajara	White
88	Mts’vane ach’aruli	Ajara	White
89	Mts’vanura	Ajara	White
90	Orjokhuli	Ajara	White
91	Skhalt’uri	Ajara	White
92	Shavshura	Svaneti-Ajara	White
93	Tsvit’e	Ajara	White
94	Ts’vite	Ajara	White
95	Ch’ech’ibera	Ajara	White
96	Javakhet’ura	Javakheti-Ajara	White
97	Kibura	Ajara	Pink
98	Kikacha shavi	Guria	Red
99	Kumusha	Guria	Red
100	Maganakuri	Guria	Red
101	Mandikouri	Guria	Red
102	Makhat’uri	Guria	Red
103	Mtredisp’ekha	Guria	Red
104	Mtsvivani guruli	Guria	Red
105	Samchkhavera	Guria	Red
106	Chepeshi	Guria	Red
107	Akido	Guria	Black
108	Aladasturi	Guria-Imereti	Black
109	Bakhvas qurdzeni	Guria	Black
110	Berdzula	Guria	Black
111	Vorona	Guria	Black
112	Kamuri shavi	Guria	Black
113	Kotskhana	Guria	Black
114	Mtevandidi	Guria	Black
115	Nasheneba	Guria	Black
116	Op’oura	Guria	Black
117	Ojaleshi guriis	Guria	Black
118	Rtskhili	Guria	Black
119	Sap’eravi guriis	Guria	Black
120	Skhilat’ubani	Guria	Black
121	Shavchkhavera	Guria	Black
122	Chkhaveri	Guria	Black
123	Tsanap’it’a	Guria	Black
124	Tsivchkhavera	Guria	Black
125	Ch’umuta	Guria	Black
126	Khemkhu	Guria	Black
127	Khushia shavi	Guria	Black
128	Jani	Guria	Black
129	Jani nakashidzis	Guria	Black
130	Jani tsikhuri	Guria	Black
131	Tsisp’ererula	Guria	რუხი
132	Badagi	Guria	Dark Pink
133	At’inauri	Guria	White
134	Dordgho	Guria	White
135	Vatsits’vera	Guria	White
136	Zenat’uri	Guria	White
137	T’et’ri qurdzeni	Guria	White
138	Chkhaveri t’et’ri	Guria	White
139	T’k’vlap’a	Guria	White
140	Kaknatela	Guria	White
141	Kamuri t’et’ri	Guria	White
142	Kapistoni ts’its’iliani	Guria	White
143	Katuri	Guria	White
144	Keshelavas t’et’ri	Guria	White
145	Maisa	Guria	White
146	Mauri t’et’ri	Guria	White
147	Sakmiela	Guria	White
148	Saknatuna	Guria	White
149	Samarkhi	Guria	White
150	K’ak’ut’ura	Guria	White
151	Chkhinkilouri	Guria	White
152	Ch’ach’iet’is t’et’ra	Guria	White
153	Khushia t’et’ri	Guria	White
154	Tsivchkhavera vardisp’eri	Guria	Pink
155	Ts’it’lani	Guria	Pink
156	Kordzala	Guria-Ajara	Red
157	Gomis ts’it’eli	Imereti	Red
158	Machanauri	Imereti	Red
159	Rabat’is ts’it’eli	Imereti	Red
160	Adanasuri	Imereti	Black
161	Bets’oura	Imereti	Black
162	Bzvanura	Imereti	Black
163	Gabekhouri shavi	Imereti	Black
164	Didshava	Imereti	Black
165	Dondghlabi shavi	Imereti	Black
166	Endeladziseuli	Imereti	Black
167	Vertqvich’alis shavi	Imereti	Black
168	Klertmagara	Imereti	Black
169	Krakhuna shavi	Imereti	Black
170	Kundza shavi	Imereti	Black
171	Kuprashviliseuli	Imereti	Black
172	Mamukas vazi	Imereti	Black
173	Mamukas sap’ere	Imereti	Black
174	Marguli sap’ere	Imereti	Black
175	Maghlari	Imereti	Black
176	Maghranuli	Imereti	Black
177	Machanouri	Imereti	Black
178	Mgaloblishvili	Imereti	Black
179	Melaniaseuli	Imereti	Black
180	Mtredisp’era	Imereti	Black
181	Obchuri shavi	Imereti	Black
182	Otskhanuri sap’ere	Imereti	Black
183	Rko shavi	Imereti	Black
184	Samach’ria	Imereti	Black
185	Samch’ach’a	Imereti	Black
186	K’velouri	Imereti	Black
187	Ghorist’vala	Imereti	Black
188	Shavbarda	Imereti	Black
189	Shavqurdzena	Imereti	Black
190	Shemodgomis shavi	Imereti	Black
191	Dzaganidze	Imereti	Black
192	Dzelshavi adgilobrivi	Imereti	Black
193	Dzveli obchuri	Imereti	Black
194	Dzveli samach’re	Imereti	Black
195	Dziganouri	Imereti	Black
196	Dzirageulis shavi	Imereti	Black
197	Ch’ankilouri	Imereti	Black
198	Khit’eri (ughia)	Imereti	Black
199	Ghrubela imeruli	Imereti	Cloud Color
200	Kharist’vala kolkhuri	Imereti	Dark Pink
201	Bazalet’uri	Imereti	White
202	Gabekhouri t’et’ri	Imereti	White
203	Gomis t’et’ri	Imereti	White
204	Dondghlabi t’et’ri	Imereti	White
205	Vertqvich’alis t’et’ri	Imereti	White
206	T’it’a imeruli	Imereti	White
207	T’k’lap’a	Imereti	White
208	T’khlap’a	Imereti	White
209	Kapistoni gaghmouri	Imereti	White
210	Kapistoni t’et’ri	Imereti	White
211	Kikacha t’et’ri	Imereti	White
212	Krakhuna t’et’ri	Imereti	White
213	Kundza t’et’ri	Imereti	White
214	Mskhvilt’vala	Imereti	White
215	Mskhvilkump’khala	Imereti	White
216	Muradouli	Imereti	White
217	Mtsvivani imeruli	Imereti	White
218	Mts’vane imeruli	Imereti	White
219	Mch’knara dondghlabi	Imereti	White
220	Nat’ela	Imereti	White
221	Okhtoura	Imereti	White
222	Rko t’et’ri	Imereti	White
223	Utsnobi t’et’ri	Imereti	White
224	K’art’ula	Imereti	White
225	K’vishkhuri (goruli mts’vane)	Imereti	White
226	Chighvinauri	Imereti	White
227	Chkhinkouri	Imereti	White
228	Tsitsk’a	Imereti	White
229	Tsitsk’a gabekhouri	Imereti	White
230	Tsitsk’a sachkheruli	Imereti	White
231	Tsolikouri	Imereti	White
232	Tsolikouri grdzelmartsvala	Imereti	White
233	Tsolikouri kokhadzis	Imereti	White
234	Tsolikouri mskhvilmartsvala	Imereti	White
235	Tsolikouri tsru	Imereti	White
236	Ts’vrilmartsvala t’et’ri	Imereti	White
237	Ts’irk’valis t’et’ri	Imereti	White
238	Chkhaveri vanis	Imereti	Pink
239	Usakhelouri vardisp’eri	Imereti	Pink
240	P’erovani pataridzis	Imereti	Pink
241	Budeshuri ts’it’eli	Kakheti	Red
242	Paateseuli	Kakheti	Red
243	Samadashviliseuli	Kakheti	Red
244	Uriat’ubnis ts’it’eli	Kakheti	Red
245	Gavazuri	Kakheti	Black
246	Gaghmamkhruli	Kakheti	Black
247	Dampala	Kakheti	Black
248	Vazisubnis ts’it’eli	Kakheti	Black
249	T’avkveri didmartsvala	Kakheti	Black
250	T’avkveri palant’euli	Kakheti	Black
251	T’avkveri sap’eraviseburi	Kakheti	Black
252	Iqalt’os ts’it’eli	Kakheti	Black
253	Kakhis ts’it’eli	Kakheti	Black
254	Kumsi shavi	Kakheti	Black
255	Lekuri qurdzeni	Kakheti	Black
256	Menjiant’euli	Kakheti	Black
257	Mosavliani	Kakheti	Black
258	Mts’klarta	Kakheti	Black
259	Papaskiri	Kakheti	Black
260	Zhghia sagviano	Kakheti	Black
261	Sap’eravi budeshuriseburi	Kakheti	Black
262	Sap’eravi t’et’ri	Kakheti	Black
263	Sap’eravi mskhvilmartsvala	Kakheti	Black
264	Sap’eravi p’anchkha	Kakheti	Black
265	Saghvine ts’it’eli	Kakheti	Black
266	Simonaseuli	Kakheti	Black
267	Utsnobi shavi	Kakheti	Black
268	K’istauruli shavi	Kakheti	Black
269	Ghvinis ts’it’eli	Kakheti	Black
270	Shavt’khila	Kakheti	Black
271	Shavi qurdzeni	Kakheti	Black
272	Chitist’vala shavi	Kakheti	Black
273	Ts’qobila	Kakheti	Black
274	Kharist’vala shavi	Kakheti	Black
275	Jach’vadziseuli	Kakheti	Black
276	Kumsi qvit’eli	Kakheti	Yellow
277	Mts’vane qvit’eli	Kakheti	Yellow
278	Ghrubela kakhuri	Kakheti	Cloud Color
279	Zhghia	Kakheti	Dark Red
280	Vardisp’eri qurdzeni	Kakheti	Dark Pink
281	Bezhanuri	Kakheti	White
282	Bua qurdzeni	Kakheti	White
283	Buera	Kakheti	White
284	Grdzelmtevana	Kakheti	White
285	Dedat’qurdzeni	Kakheti	White
286	Vazisubnis t’et’ri	Kakheti	White
287	Mskhvilmartsvala t’et’ri	Kakheti	White
288	Kharist’vala t’et’ri	Kakheti	White
289	T’it’a kakhuri	Kakheti	White
290	Ingilouri	Kakheti	White
291	Institutis grdzelmtevana	Kakheti	White
292	Kakhis t’et’ri	Kakheti	White
293	Kakhis qurdzeni	Kakheti	White
294	Kakhuri t’et’ri	Kakheti	White
295	Kumsi t’et’ri	Kakheti	White
296	Kurkena	Kakheti	White
297	Mirzaanuli t’et’ri	Kakheti	White
298	Miskiet’a	Kakheti	White
299	Mskhvilt’vala t’et’ri	Kakheti	White
300	Mtsvivani adreula	Kakheti	White
301	Mtsvivani kakhuri	Kakheti	White
302	Mtsvivani patalant’euli	Kakheti	White
303	Mts’vane kakhuri	Kakheti	White
304	Mkhargrdzeli	Kakheti	White
305	Mkhargrdzeli qvit’eli	Kakheti	White
306	Ok’roula	Kakheti	White
307	Rk’ats’it’eli	Kakheti	White
308	Sap’ena	Kakheti	White
309	Sachurchkhle	Kakheti	White
310	Sirgula	Kakheti	White
311	Sup’ris t’et’ri	Kakheti	White
312	Ubakluri	Kakheti	White
313	K’art’uli saadreo	Kakheti	White
314	K’isi	Kakheti	White
315	Ghvinis t’et’ri	Kakheti	White
316	Tskhenisdzudzu qvit’eli	Kakheti	White
317	Chakmashura	Kakheti	White
318	Chitist’vala bodburi	Kakheti	White
319	Chitist’vala t’et’ri	Kakheti	White
320	Tskhenisdzudzu kakhuri	Kakheti	White
321	Dzaghliarch’ama	Kakheti	White
322	Dzuvani	Kakheti	White
323	Ts’noris t’et’ri	Kakheti	White
324	Ts’obenura	Kakheti	White
325	Ch’vartla	Kakheti	White
326	Ch’rogha kakhuri	Kakheti	White
327	Kharist’vala t’et’ri	Kakheti	White
328	Khikhvi(jananura)	Kakheti	White
329	Vardisp’era	Kakheti	Pink
330	Marjeni vardisp’eri	Kakheti	Pink
331	Ap’khazuri	Lechkhumi	Black
332	Belariani	Lechkhumi	Black
333	Ch’ubulo	Lechkhumi	Black
334	Sairmula	Lechkhumi	White
335	Tskhvedianis t’et’ra	Lechkhumi	White
336	Khikhvi lechkhumis	Lechkhumi	White
337	Kldis ts’it’eli	Samtskhe	Black
338	Tskhenisdzudzu shavi	Samtskhe	Black
339	Bezhana	Samtskhe	White
340	T’avdakiduli	Samtskhe	White
341	T’it’a meskhuri	Samtskhe	White
342	Sap’aruli	Samtskhe	White
343	Tskhenisdzudzu t’et’ri	Samtskhe	White
344	Kharist’vala meskhuri	Samtskhe	White
345	T’avtsetskhla	Samtskhe	Pink
346	Alek’sandrouli	Racha-Lechkhumi	Black
347	Arabeuli shavi	Racha	Black
348	Bakhva	Racha	Black
349	Berbesho	Racha	Black
350	Kirts’magara	Racha	Black
351	Nakut’vnili	Racha	Black
352	Natsara	Racha	Black
353	Dzelshavi rach’uli	Racha	Black
354	Khoteura	Racha	Black
355	Khrogi	Racha	Black
356	Alek’sandrouli t’et’ri	Racha	White
357	Arabeuli t’et’ri	Racha	White
358	Beglaris qurdzeni	Racha	White
359	Beroula	Racha	White
360	Butkua	Racha	White
361	T’it’a rach’uli	Racha	White
362	Megrelauri	Racha	White
363	Mts’vane rach’uli	Racha	White
364	Sakmevela	Racha	White
365	Ts’ulukidzis t’et’ra	Racha	White
366	Khikhvi rach’uli	Racha	White
367	Khop’at’uri	Racha	White
368	Aleshi t’et’ri	Racha	Pink
369	Mok’at’uri	Racha-Lechkhumi	Red
370	Ts’it’elouri	Racha-Lechkhumi	Red
371	Gamoqvanili	Racha-Lechkhumi	Black
372	Dak’tseuli	Racha-Lechkhumi	Black
373	Kabistoni shavi	Racha-Lechkhumi	Black
374	Kapistoni mrgvali	Racha-Lechkhumi	Black
375	Kortnula	Racha-Lechkhumi	Black
376	Mskhvilt’vala shavi	Racha-Lechkhumi	Black
377	Mujuret’uli	Racha-Lechkhumi	Black
378	Noshrio	Racha-Lechkhumi	Black
379	Orbeluri	Racha-Lechkhumi	Black
380	Usakhelouri	Racha-Lechkhumi	Black
381	P’erovani	Racha-Lechkhumi	Black
382	P’eruani	Racha-Lechkhumi	Black
383	Ghvanura	Racha-Lechkhumi	Black
384	Qvira	Racha-Lechkhumi	Black
385	Qornist’vala	Racha-Lechkhumi	Black
386	Alek’sandrouli dzveli	Racha-Lechkhumi	Black
387	Urishula	Racha-Lechkhumi	Dark Red
388	Gabasha	Racha-Lechkhumi	White
389	T’avts’it’ela	Racha-Lechkhumi	White
390	T’biluri	Racha-Lechkhumi	White
391	Labiladzis t’et’ra	Racha-Lechkhumi	White
392	T’valdamts’vriseuli	Racha-Lechkhumi	White
393	T’ovani	Racha-Lechkhumi	White
394	T’ut’ashi	Racha-Lechkhumi	White
395	T’k’vap’una	Racha-Lechkhumi	White
396	T’khmorula	Racha-Lechkhumi	White
397	Kudurauli	Racha-Lechkhumi	White
398	Mekrenchkhula	Racha-Lechkhumi	White
399	Mtsvivani rach’uli	Racha-Lechkhumi	White
400	Uts’qveti	Racha-Lechkhumi	White
401	P’achkhata	Racha-Lechkhumi	White
402	P’it’ra	Racha-Lechkhumi	White
403	K’ak’itauri	Racha-Lechkhumi	White
404	Dzveli t’et’ra	Racha-Lechkhumi	White
405	Ts’minda t’et’ri	Racha-Lechkhumi	White
406	Zak’at’alis ts’it’eli	Hereti	Red
407	Zak’at’alis shavi	Hereti	Dark Pink
408	Belak’nuri	Hereti	White
409	Devist’vala	Hereti	White
410	Didmtevana	Hereti	White
411	Ugvaro	Samegrelo	Red
412	Chkhorokuni	Samegrelo	Red
413	Ch’it’ashi	Samegrelo	Red
414	Abshiluri	Samegrelo	Black
415	Godaat’uri	Samegrelo	Black
416	Vernakhi	Samegrelo	Black
417	Ket’iluri	Samegrelo	Black
418	Kert’oli	Samegrelo	Black
419	Koloshi	Samegrelo	Black
420	Kutala	Samegrelo	Black
421	Mach’qvaturi	Samegrelo	Black
422	Mukhishkha	Samegrelo	Black
423	Ojaleshi	Samegrelo	Black
424	Paneshi	Samegrelo	Black
425	Pumpula	Samegrelo	Black
426	Usakhelo ts’it’eli	Samegrelo	Black
427	Uchach’uburi	Samegrelo	Black
428	Ucha khardani	Samegrelo	Black
429	Chkhaberdzula	Samegrelo	Black
430	Chkhushi	Samegrelo	Black
431	Ch’otishi	Samegrelo	Black
432	Khojist’oli	Samegrelo	Black
433	Ap’khazura	Samegrelo	White
434	Grekhi	Samegrelo	White
435	Dedop’lis kit’i	Samegrelo	White
436	Dudghushi	Samegrelo	White
437	Dghvlabe	Samegrelo	White
438	Egurdzguli	Samegrelo	White
439	Zerdagi	Samegrelo	White
440	T’et’risha	Samegrelo	White
441	T’khurt’khu	Samegrelo	White
442	Kapistoni megruli	Samegrelo	White
443	Kvats’akhura	Samegrelo	White
444	Lagiluri	Samegrelo	White
445	Op’op’i	Samegrelo	White
446	Ok’ona	Samegrelo	White
447	Sakuma	Samegrelo	White
448	Samach’ro	Samegrelo	White
449	Chekolishi	Samegrelo	White
450	Chergvali	Samegrelo	White
451	Cheshi	Samegrelo	White
452	Chechk’ishi	Samegrelo	White
453	Chech’ip’eshi	Samegrelo	White
454	Che khardani	Samegrelo	White
455	Chichkishi	Samegrelo	White
456	Chkhucheshi	Samegrelo	White
457	Ts’alenjikhis t’et’ri	Samegrelo	White
458	Ch’vitiluri	Samegrelo	White
459	Ch’uberi	Samegrelo	White
460	Dighmura	Shida Kartli	Red
461	Kapita	Shida Kartli	Red
462	Ch’rogha k’art’luri	Shida Kartli	Red
463	Ts’it’eli vazi	Shida Kartli	Red
464	Asuret’uli shavi	Kvemo Kartli	Black
465	Borchalo	Kvemo Kartli	Black
466	Buza	Shida Kartli	Black
467	Burdzghumi	Shida Kartli	Black
468	Ganakharuli	Shida Kartli	Black
469	Enaget’is ts’it’eli	Kvemo Kartli	Black
470	T’avkveri k’art’lis	Shida Kartli	Black
471	Marneulis shavi	Kvemo Kartli	Black
472	Pirghebula shavi	Kvemo Kartli	Black
473	Sap’eravi atenis	Shida Kartli	Black
474	Sap’eravi bezhashvilis	Shida Kartli	Black
475	Sap’eravi mejvriskhevis	Shida Kartli	Black
476	P’art’ala shavi	Shida Kartli	Black
477	K’ishuri shavi	Shida Kartli	Black
478	K’tsiis shavi	Kvemo Kartli	Black
479	Ghariba shavi	Shida Kartli-Kvemo Kartli	Black
480	Shavkapito	Shida Kartli	Black
481	Chinuri shavi	Shida Kartli	Black
482	Ghrubela k’art’lis	Shida Kartli	Cloud Color
483	Danakharuli	Shida Kartli	Dark Red
484	Adreuli	Shida Kartli	White
485	Andreuli	Shida Kartli	White
486	Andriaseuli	Shida Kartli	White
487	Andriuli	Shida Kartli	White
488	Aragvispiruli	Shida Kartli	White
489	Budeshuri t’et’ri	Shida Kartli	White
490	Gorula	Shida Kartli	White
491	Mts’vane goruli	Shida Kartli	White
492	Grdzelmtevniani	Shida Kartli	White
493	Dakidula	Shida Kartli	White
494	Enaget’is t’et’ri	Kvemo Kartli	White
495	Viraqurdzeni	Shida Kartli	White
496	Kaspuri t’et’ri	Shida Kartli	White
497	Laki	Shida Kartli	White
498	Marneulis adreula	Kvemo Kartli	White
499	Melikuda	Shida Kartli	White
500	Mkvrivi qurdzeni	Shida Kartli	White
501	Mukha mts’vane	Shida Kartli	White
502	Avrekhi mts’vane	Shida Kartli	White
503	Pirghebula t’et’ri	Kvemo Kartli	White
504	Saadreo t’et’ri	Shida Kartli	White
505	Sabatono	Shida Kartli	White
506	Sionis t’et’ri	Shida Kartli	White
507	P’art’ala t’et’ri	Shida Kartli	White
508	K’ishuri t’et’ri	Shida Kartli	White
509	K’ishuri mskhvilmartsvala	Shida Kartli	White
510	K’ishuri saadreo	Shida Kartli	White
511	K’tsiis t’et’ri	Kvemo Kartli	White
512	Ghariba t’et’ri	Shida Kartli	White
513	Shaba	Shida Kartli	White
514	Shirakeni	Shida Kartli	White
515	Chinuri	Shida Kartli	White
516	Chinuri avrekhi	Shida Kartli	White
517	Chitist’vala k’art’lis	Shida Kartli	White
518	Ts’keni	Shida Kartli	White
519	Ch’rogha k’art’lis	Shida Kartli	White
520	Ch’qapa	Shida Kartli	White
521	Ch’qartala	Shida Kartli	White
522	Kharist’vala k’art’lis	Shida Kartli	White
523	Jvari	Shida Kartli	White
524	Kekhva	Shida Kartli	Pink
525	Pirghebula vardisp’eri	Kvemo Kartli	Pink
526	Tatanauri	Shida Kartli	Pink
527	K’urt’as vardisp’eri	Shida Kartli	Pink
528	Ch’eishvili	Guria	Black
529	Makhvatelia	Samegrelo	Black

Signature Reds: Saperavi & Beyond

The bold backbone of Georgian reds lies in varietals that capture sun-drenched valleys and cool mountain breezes—wines of power, elegance, and enduring heritage.

Saperavi: Named for the Georgian word “saperavi” meaning “to dye,” this teinturier marvel yields ink-black wines with blackcurrant, black cherry, and tobacco leaf aromas. On Kakheti’s limestone terraces, it forms structured blends or single-vineyard treasures that age gracefully over 15+ years. Pair with grilled lamb skewers, hearty stews, or aged goat cheese.
Aleksandrouli & Mujuretuli: United in legend, these grapes craft the semi-sweet Khvanchkara. Aleksandrouli shines with raspberry compote and spice, while Mujuretuli adds violet florals and supple tannins. Historically lauded by Georgian nobility, this duo delivers a plush red perfect beside berry tarts, foie gras, or dark chocolate.
Tavkveri: Found in Imereti’s humid hills, Tavkveri’s pomegranate-red juice and cranberry brightness make it ideal for rosé and pét-nat styles. Herbal undertones of thyme and bay leaf lend complexity—sip chilled with light salads or grilled vegetables.
Usakhelauri: Dubbed “heart’s treasure,” this endangered variety thrives on Lechkhumi’s steep, rocky slopes. Rare yields produce amber-tinged reds awash with apricot preserves, orange zest, and honeyed nuances, balanced by racy acidity. With just 10 hectares planted, Usakhelauri is a collector’s jewel—serve with nut-based desserts or blue cheeses.

Pro Tip: Compare Saperavi’s robust warmth from lowland Kakheti with a cooler-climate bottling from Racha’s high-altitude villages to taste Georgia’s terroir spectrum.

Iconic Whites: Rkatsiteli & Kakhetian Gems

Rkatsiteli, Georgia’s illustrious white, unveils waves of lemon blossom, quince, and slate-driven minerality—its bright acidity and resinous finish make it the anchor of amber-style qvevri wines.

Variety	Harvest	Brix	Acidity (g/L)
Rkatsiteli	Mid-Oct	22–24°	7–9
Kisi	Late-Sept to Mid-Oct	20–24°	6.6–10.8
Mtsvane	Early Oct	19–22°	6–8
Khikhvi	Late Sept	18–21°	6–7

Kisi: Honeyed texture with a saline edge—perfect for sipping by the Black Sea breeze.
Mtsvane: Floral bouquet of elderflower and orchard fruits, finishing crisp and clean.
Khikhvi: Subtle almond bitterness underpinned by green apple freshness and chalky minerality.

Note: Altitudinal differences across Kakheti’s slopes fine-tune sugar accumulation and acidity—higher sites yield leaner, phenolic-driven whites.

Rare & Indigenous Varietals

Venture off the beaten path and you’ll uncover Georgia’s rare heirlooms—grapes cultivated by a handful of families yet bursting with untold stories:

Ojaleshi (Samegrelo): Amber-skinned red offering honeyed apricot, black tea, and orange peel; shrunk to just 50 hectares in misty western hills.
Tsolikouri (Imereti): Crisp white with lime zest, green pear, and chalky minerality—cellared underground in centuries-old caves.
Otskhanuri Sapere (Kakheti): Teinturier marvel with spicy black pepper and dark cherry—often blended for depth.
Chkhaveri (Western Foothills): Pink-fleshed wonder boasting strawberry and rhubarb notes, high acidity for sparkling creations.
Shavkapito (Racha): Almost mythical black-skinned variety with tobacco, leather, and forest floor aromas—grown by two estate keepers.

Did you know? These vines endured phylloxera and Soviet collectivization in remote villages—each bottle is a sip of Georgia’s resilience.

Production & Export Trends

2024 harvest hit 321,500 tons across 48,642 hectares—a 45.7% jump YOY. Exports to the U.S. surged 22%, fueled by amber qvevri wines and Saperavi classics.

Qvevri Winemaking Process

Harvest by hand: Preserving grape integrity.
Crush & destem: Gentle to keep phenolics intact.
Fill qvevri: Juice, skins, seeds buried underground.
Seal & ferment: 5–6 months at 55–60°F earth-cooled.
Rack & age: Transfer to barrels or tanks; skins to chacha.
Bottle: Minimal intervention for pure terroir.

Visiting Georgian Wineries

Best time: Sept–Oct harvest, or May–June bloom. Key regions:

Kakheti: Telavi estates, Tsinandali palace cellar.
Imereti: Cave cellars, boutique labels.
Racha–Lechkhumi: Alpine Khvanchkara vineyards.
Colchis Coast: Unique humid whites.

FAQ

Which Georgian grape is best for orange wine?

Rkatsiteli and Kisi shine in amber styles thanks to thick skins and lively acidity—expect tannic spice and orchard fruit layers.

What makes Saperavi so age-worthy?

Both pulp and skins carry anthocyanins, giving stable color and chewy tannins.

How many Georgian varieties exist?

Over 525 indigenous varieties, though only ~38 see commercial plantings.

At what temperature do qvevri ferment?

Steady 55–60°F from earth insulation—ideal for slow, flavor-rich ferments.

Can I tour vineyards year-round?

Yes: fall harvest, spring blossoms, and cozy winter tastings in Tbilisi.

What Did We Learn Today?

Biodiversity: 525+ Georgian grapes define red, white, and teinturier.
Living Heritage: Qvevri winemaking remains UNESCO-listed.
Core Varieties: Saperavi & Rkatsiteli anchor 90% of plantings.
Hidden Gems: Ojaleshi, Tsolikouri, Usakhelauri in niche cellars.
Export Growth: U.S. & EU demand up 22% for amber and reds.
Travel Tip: Experience harvest season in Sept–Oct.

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