This small country, edged against the mighty Russian border and neighbour to Armenia and Azerbaijan benefits from the proximity to the Caucasus Mountains to the north and the cool coastal climate of the Black Sea to the west. Several regions are important with regards to vine growing, with major vine growing regions such as Rion Valley, but the most important with regard to high quality wine is the region of Khaketi in the North East of the country, nestled into the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains. Here warmer climates and rich loam soils give wines of tremendous clarity and purity. Grapes such as the red Saperavi dominate winemaking in Georgia, supported by the white Rkatsiteli and Mtsvane grape varieties.
Not unique to Georgia, but important to their entire wine production, is the use of clay vessels called Qvevri, large clay pots buried in the ground which are used for fermenting, often whole cluster, as well as macerating grapes on the skins in sealed conditions, giving many Georgian wines a unique 'Orange' or Natural character.
In The Press
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