Georgia is home to some of the world’s most unique and exciting wines. One of these is Georgian orange wine, although it is more commonly known as Georgian amber wine among Georgian winemakers so that it is not confused to be made from oranges rather than grapes. Georgian amber wine, is a unique and exciting wine that is gaining popularity among wine enthusiasts.
What is Georgian amber wine, and why is it so special? Georgian amber wine is made using a traditional method that dates back centuries, using white grapes that are left to macerate with their skins, resulting in a pale to medium-orange hue once fermentation is complete. On the nose, you can expect a scent of apricot, quince, and honey, while the taste is slightly sweet with a light sourness and tannic structure similar to that of Georgian red wines.
Indigenous grape varieties such as Rkatsiteli, Kisi, and Mtsvane are used to make Georgian orange wine. The grapes are fermented in large clay vessels called qvevri, which are buried underground and lined with beeswax. The Georgian wine is then aged in the qvevri for several months to develop its unique flavors and aromas.
Given its versatility, many connoisseurs are heralding Georgian amber wine as “the new rosé”, due to its ability to pair with a wide variety of foods, from cheeses and charcuterie to complex mains. An added bonus to trying the unique but timeless beverage is that you get to explore a culture and tradition that dates back centuries, something that rosé can’t offer.
If you’re a wine enthusiast looking to try something new and exciting, Georgian amber wine is definitely worth checking out. From the Georgian winemaking process to its varied flavor profiles, Georgian orange wine is a great way to explore the terroirs of this beautiful country. Buy a bottle of Georgian Amber wine today and become part of a centuries-old tradition.