How to Talk About Georgian Wine at a Restaurant Without Feeling Lost

You open a wine list and spot a Georgian wine.

Then you see names like Saperavi, Rkatsiteli, and qvevri and suddenly feel like you need a pronunciation guide just to order a glass.

The good news? You don't.

At Corus Imports, we hear this all the time from people who are curious about Georgian wine but aren't sure where to begin. The truth is that you only need to know a few basics to order confidently and enjoy the experience.

Learn These Three Words

Saperavi

Georgia's signature red grape.

If you enjoy Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, or Syrah, Saperavi is often a great place to start. Expect dark fruit flavors, bright acidity, and plenty of character.

Rkatsiteli

One of Georgia's most famous white grapes.

If you typically order Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or dry Riesling, you'll likely enjoy Rkatsiteli's crisp, refreshing style.

Qvevri

Pronounced kweh-vree.

A qvevri is a large clay vessel used for traditional Georgian winemaking. If a wine is made in qvevri, it often reflects one of the country's oldest winemaking traditions.

The Easiest Way to Order Georgian Wine

Instead of trying to choose a wine based on an unfamiliar grape variety, tell your server what you normally drink.

Try saying:

• "I usually drink Cabernet Sauvignon."

• "I like crisp white wines."

• "I'm looking for something adventurous."

• "What's a good Georgian wine for a first-time drinker?"

A good server or sommelier can use those clues to recommend something you'll enjoy.

Don't Stress About Pronunciation

Even wine professionals sometimes mispronounce Georgian grape names.

If you're unsure, point to the wine on the list or ask your server for help. Nobody expects first-time drinkers to know every grape variety or wine region.

Curiosity is part of the fun.

Why Georgian Wine Is Worth Trying

Georgia is considered the birthplace of wine, with more than 8,000 years of winemaking history. Its wines offer indigenous grape varieties, ancient traditions, and flavors that stand apart from more familiar wine regions.

That's one reason Georgian wine continues to gain attention from restaurants, sommeliers, and wine lovers around the world.

Final Sip

The next time you see Georgian wine on a restaurant menu, remember three words: Saperavi, Rkatsiteli, and qvevri.

You don't need to be an expert to enjoy Georgian wine. You just need to order a glass and start exploring.

At Corus Imports, we're proud to introduce American wine lovers to the people, regions, and traditions that make Georgian wine unlike anything else in the world.