Rus: Georgian Wines and Spirits - Page 2
© Dr. Donald Houston
Georgia ranks 4th in grape production in the former Soviet Union behind Russia, Ukraine, and Moldova, though Georgian wines have always been the most highly prized. It is unfortunate that recently these wonderful wines have begun to be widely imitated and counterfeited. Reportedly, as much as 90% of Georgian wines sold in Russia now are bogus. There is virtually no protection of Georgian wine names. Moscow markets have Georgian wines with names like Kindzmarauli produced in cities throughout Russia. As a Russian winemaker remarked to me a few years ago, "If there was so much Georgian wine as is found in shops in Moscow, Georgia would be under a sea of wine." In the EU, The USA & Canada, one may be assured that the Georgian wines being sold are indeed from the Republic of Georgia and have been certified as being the genuine & authentic product.
In ancient times their were red wines & white wines but now in modern times we also have blush or faintly pinkish wines along with "whites" that are actually pinkish in color. The reds of Georgia are such vibrant & colorful wines that they are often described not only by their names but by the actual colors as well.
This article will distinguish the wines of Georgia by their characteristics: dry, semi-dry, sweet, fortified & sparkling. Some of the names of varieties of grapes, the regions of origin & the actual name of the wine may be hard to pronounce but they are ever tasty.
Alaznis Veli
A white semi-sweet wine made from the Rkatsiteii, Tetra, Tsolikauri & other industrial grape varieties cultivated in Western and Eastern Georgia. The wine of straw color has a characteristic aroma, a fine, fresh and a harmonious taste. It contains 9-11 % alcohol and has 6 - 7 % titrated acidity.
Khvanchkara
A fine naturally semi-sweet red wine made from the Alexandria & Mudzhuretuli grape varieties cultivated in the Khvanchkara vineyards in Western Georgia. The wine has a strong specific bouquet and a harmonious velvety taste with a raspberry flavor. It is of dark-ruby color. The Khvanchkara wine is one of the most popular Georgian semi-sweet wines. It contains 10.5 - 12.0% alcohol, 3 - 5 % sugar and has 5.0 - 7.0 % titrated acidity. The wine has been manufactured since 1907. For its excellent taste it was awarded 2 gold & 4 silver medals at international exhibitions.
Kindzmaraurli
A high quality naturally semi-sweet wine of dark-red color. It is made from the Saperavi grape variety cultivated on the slopes of the Caucasian mountains in the Kvareli district of Kakheti. It has a strong characteristic bouquet and aroma, a gentle harmonious and velvety taste. The wonderful taste and curative properties have won Kindzmarauli general recognition. The wine contains 10.5 - 12.0 % alcohol, 3 - 5 % sugar and has 5.0 - 7.0 % titrated acidity. It has been manufactured since 1942. For its supreme qualities Kindzmarauli was 3 gold, 4 silver & 1 bronze medal at international wine competitions.
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