Georgia — wine

Georgia Imerethi Wine Region

Georgia's second wine region, located in the central Rioni River valley west of Tbilisi, Imerethi produces one of the wine world's most distinctive styles: semi-qvevri white wines with extended skin contact (8–30 days) producing amber-orange wines of remarkable complexity. The indigenous Tsitska and Tsolikouri grapes are fermented with skins and sometimes stems in the traditional qvevri clay amphora, sealed with beeswax — a winemaking tradition UNESCO lists as Intangible Cultural Heritage. Imerethi amber wines have become the natural wine movement's most celebrated ancient tradition.

Year Rating Notes
2023 Balanced Rioni valley vintage with characteristic Imerethi amber complexity and tannin.
2022 Record quality; Georgian qvevri wines being allocated at opening rather than sold on order.
2021 Strong season; Imerethi amber wine becoming staple in world's finest natural wine lists.
2020 Solid year; European natural wine import demand maintaining despite pandemic.
2019 Strong vintage; Georgian wine UNESCO intangible heritage status driving global interest.
2018 Exceptional qvevri conditions; Imerethi amber wine earning Slow Food and wine press recognition.
2017 Reliable vintage; Imerethi natural wine producers at peak demand from European importers.
2016 Strong season; Georgian amber wines appearing in Noma's wine list.
2015 Outstanding qvevri vintage in Imerethi; Nikoladze earning European natural wine press acclaim.