Georgian Wine is the trendiest wine you can get in Ireland right now. It has literally taken us by storm, but why? What is it about Georgian wine that is so irresistible that all the top restaurants and wine shops are talking about it.
What does Georgian Wine Taste Like?
This is the primary reason why it is so popular. It is medium-full bodied, rich, warm, round and velvety, the perfect wine that Irish people love. It is very versatile, pairing well with warm winter dishes like casseroles, as well as BBQs in the summer. Unlike some Italian or French wines, it has medium acidity and medium tannins, making it the ultimate crowd pleaser.
The most important red grape to know is Saperavi.
Saperavi produces richly coloured wines with flavours of blackberry, plum, spice and often a savoury edge. It is full-bodied, structured and built for food.
If you like Rioja, Malbec or Ripasso… you will love Saperavi
- If you enjoy Rioja, you will recognise the structure and the way the wine works with food
- If Malbec is your go-to, you will love the depth of fruit and richness
- If you like Ripasso, it is the intensity and weight that will appeal
Saperavi sits between all three, but with more freshness and a slightly wilder character that makes it feel more alive.
What is Georgian wine?
Georgian wine, is wine produced in the country of Georgia, which is located in Eastern Europe, bordering Russia, Turkey, Armenia and the Black Sea. So what is it about this specific country that allows it to produce such special wines?
Georgia’s main wine region, Kakheti, benefits from warm sunshine during the day, allowing grapes to ripen fully, while cool nights from the Caucasus Mountains help to retain freshness and acidity. This natural balance is what makes the wines so appealing, delivering ripe, generous fruit without feeling heavy, and giving them that lovely sense of richness combined with lift and elegance.
The Birthplace of Wine
Georgia is the birthplace of wine, with a history dating back 8,000 years. Qvevri winemaking is part of an 8,000-year-old tradition in Georgia, making it the oldest continuously practised wine culture in the world. Archaeological evidence shows that winemaking in Georgia dates back to around 6000 BC, where early clay vessels were used to ferment and store wine. The modern qvevri, large clay pots buried underground, evolved from these ancient methods and are still used today. While individual qvevri are not thousands of years old, the technique itself has been passed down through generations, which is why it is recognised by UNESCO as part of the world’s cultural heritage.
What is Skin Contact and Orange wine from Georgia?
Orange wine is made by fermenting white grapes on their skins, giving the wine colour, structure and tannin. Georgia's most important grapes for this are Rkatsiteli and Kisi.
While it is now a global trend, Georgia is where it all began. Try the Bedoba Orange wine.
These wines are amber in colour, with flavours of dried fruit, tea, nuts and spice. They have more grip than typical white wines, making them incredibly versatile with food, particularly with sushi and fish dishes.
If you are curious about orange wine, Georgian wine examples are the most authentic place to start.
What does white Georgian wine taste like?
White wine is made using the same grapes as for the Orange style; Rkatsiteli and Kisi. The whites are rich, full boded and generous, and people who like Albarino and Viognier in particular will enjoy them. Explore here.
0 comments