In our November/December 2023 subject, wine author Betsy Andrews makes the compelling case that Georgian wine is the best choice on your vacation desk. Georgia could also be greatest identified for its amber wines aged in conventional clay pots, or qvevri, however the nation produces a broad spectrum of kinds, from fragrant dry whites and delicate sparklers, to richly spiced reds. It doesn’t matter what you’re serving, there’s a Georgian wine match to pair. As a result of availability can nonetheless be considerably restricted within the U.S., we’ve rounded up 5 can’t-miss choices.
Orgo Rkatsiteli “If you wish to present individuals what Georgians drink, this a superb instance,” says Jonathan Nelms, proprietor of the Washington, D.C., Georgian restaurant, Supra. Rkatsiteli is Georgia’s most generally planted grape. And this amber wine from Kakheti producer Orgo shows among the basic flavors which are cultivated by means of fermentation in qvevri, together with notes of apricot, almond, and honey. $25, cru-domaine.com
Teliani Valley Tsolikouri Good for pairing with starters like a cheese plate, this dry white from the Lechkhumi district is fermented in chrome steel and maintains loads of brightness. Andrews notes it “has the floral and petrol aromas, lemon-lime acidity, and luscious weight harking back to a Mosel Riesling.” $13.99, potomacwines.com
Mtsvane Property Pèt-Nat Relating to bubbles, pèt-nat is all the fashion amongst Georgian winemakers. This low-ABV sparkler from Kakheti is gentle and floral on the nostril with contemporary and fruity flavors that Christy Canterbury, U.S. ambassador for Wines of Georgia, declares the right match for a Thanksgiving-leftovers sandwich. $29, ghvinos.com
Chateau Mukhrani Saperavi Georgia’s second-most planted selection, Saperavi is a medium-bodied wine that delivers huge on fruit and spice, with nicely balanced acid and tannins. The Saperavi from Chateau Mukhrani spends time in French oak, selecting up traits just like Cab Sauv, which Andrews says make it “best for Christmas’ or Hannukah’s roast or braised beef or lamb.” $28.99, garyswine.com
Bimbili Aleksandrouli “If I had just one bottle to open, it could be Aleksandrouli. Tender tannins, stunning aromatics, and brightness make it a individuals pleaser,” says Canterbury. This bottle from Bimbili within the Racha area is medium-bodied and loaded with juicy fruit flavors like cherry and raspberry, and Canterbury notes the model would go notably nicely alongside glazed ham. $25.99, hudsonlights.linwood.wine
