January 2024 - Country of Georgia

The country of Georgia sits on the eastern edge of the Black Sea, roughly 1,000 km east of Rome—where Europe and Asia intersect. It borders on Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Turkey, and has a square mileage slightly smaller than the state of Maine.

For generations, Georgia has proudly claimed the title of the birthplace of wine. Archeological findings are now adding material evidence to support Georgia’s claim as the world’s oldest wine-producing country. In 2015, scientists studying the history of agriculture uncovered ancient clay vessels dating back 8,000 years at an archeological dig in southeastern Georgia. Researchers analyzing the remains of grapes and grape seeds dated the material to 6000 BCE. This establishes ancient Georgia as the first known location of grape winemaking.

Currently there are 525 grape varieties, 75% white, 25% red.

Georgians have made wine in egg-shaped clay vessels called qvevri continuously for 8,000 years. These large tapered vessels—often 1,000 or more liters—are buried underground to keep temperatures constant during fermentation and aging. Using the traditional method, winemakers ferment the juice and skins together.

White

DoReMi Mtsvane White Wine, 2019 Khaketi

100% Mtsvane Kakhuri grape. A light version of this tannic grape, here made with just three days of skin contact (instead of the usual multiple months). Rich, honeyed and silken with some dusty, earthy notes on the nose. A little wild damson (plum) and herbs on the palate. All natural, organic wine making.

Tilisma Rkatsiteli Qvevri Amber , 2016 Khaketi

100% Rkatsiteli grape. Aromas of apricots and hints of yeastiness/crackers. On the palate, a burst of fresh fruit: quince, persimmon, and spices/cloves.

Tchotiashvili Kisi Qvevri Amber, 2016 Khaketi

100% Kisi. The wine has an amber color, summer fruit tones of peach, apricots, and high tannins with long-lasting flavor. Enjoy this unique wine with aromatic cheese and chicken dishes. The wine has been macerated in qvevri for seven months with skin contact. Each bottle can be identified by its unique number and is released only after the Kakha Tchotiashvili has signed them.

Tchotiashvili Mtsvane Qvevri Amber, 2016 Khaketi

100% Mtsvane Kakhuri. On the nose, peach and papaya. Typical of this producer, the wine has been released when it’s ready to drink – and it’s now relatively soft-textured and very harmonious. The palate is packed with ripe and expressive fruit – peach, apricot and pear – and opens up to a minerally finish, shored up by ripe tannins. Each bottle can be identified by its unique number and is released only after the Kakha Tchotiashvili has signed them.

Red

Zurab Gvaladze Tsitska Sapere Qvevri Red, 2021 Imereti

Tsitska and Sapere blend. Light red wine with a hint of effervescence. Earthy aromas with fresh cranberry. Cranberry and fresh raspberry follow through on the palate.

DoReMi Saperavi Qvevri Unfiltered Dry Red, 2021 Kartli

100% Saperavi. The wines are made without any industrial yeast and additives. Wines are fermented and aged in kvevris which are traditional clay pots used in Georgia. Saperavi is old Georgian teinturier of black grape, it is from the east side of Georgia, Kakheti area, village Anaga. Herbs, and hints of dark berries on the nose. On the palate, light red fruit, black tea, balanced acidity and light tannins.

DoReMi Khidistauri Qvevri Red, 2020 Kartli

Blend of Tavkveri, Chinuri, Goruli Mtsvane. Wildflowers, rose and honey on the nose, bright red cherry and dried wild herbs on the palate. Blend of two white varietals and one red, resulting in a zesty and crushable light red with bright acidity.

Tchotiashvili Tavkveri Red, 2017 Khaketi

Dry Farmed wine, low sulfites, unfiltered, unfined, organic, vegan, wild yeast fermented. This grape is one of very few teinturier grapes (red flesh inside). Aromas of sweet raspberries, with a hint of pepper and cinnamon. On the palate, high acidity and medium tannins. Light, bright raspberry/raspberry tea.