Spotlight on Kisi: The “Forgotten” Grape That’s Becoming a Sommelier Favorite

For years, Kisi lived quietly in the background of Georgian wine. It wasn’t extinct, but it was overlooked—overshadowed by Rkatsiteli’s ubiquity and Saperavi’s global recognition.

Today, that’s changing. Among sommeliers and buyers exploring Georgia more deeply, Kisi is no longer a footnote. It’s a reference point.

At Corus Imports, we’re seeing growing interest in Kisi not because it’s rare, but because it’s expressive, versatile, and deeply tied to place. Once rediscovered, it tends to stay on lists.

What Makes Kisi Different From Other Georgian Whites

Kisi is an indigenous white grape native primarily to Kakheti, Georgia’s eastern wine region. Historically, it was often blended or farmed in small quantities, sometimes confused with or replaced by Rkatsiteli during the Soviet era due to higher yields.

What sets Kisi apart is its natural balance:

• Aromatic but not overt

• Structured without weight

• Capable of clarity in both classic and skin-contact styles

It’s a grape that rewards restraint, both in the vineyard and the cellar.

Aromatics Are the First Signal

One of the first things sommeliers notice with Kisi is the nose.

Depending on the style, Kisi often shows:

• White flowers and dried herbs

• Pear skin, quince, or stone fruit

• Subtle spice or tea-like notes in qvevri wines

Unlike more overtly aromatic varieties, Kisi doesn’t rush forward. It opens gradually, which makes it especially appealing in professional tastings where nuance matters.

Texture Is Where Kisi Wins Loyalty

Kisi’s rising reputation has as much to do with mouthfeel as aroma.

In skin-contact or qvevri expressions, Kisi tends to be:

• Firm but polished

• Structured without bitterness

• Tactile yet composed

Even in stainless-steel or lightly handled styles, Kisi retains a sense of shape. The texture feels intentional—something sommeliers can confidently pair across courses.

A Natural Fit for Qvevri, Without Needing It

Kisi performs exceptionally well in qvevri, Georgia’s traditional clay vessels, but it doesn’t rely on them to be compelling.

In qvevri wines, Kisi often develops:

• Gentle tannic grip

• Savory, dried-fruit character

• Long, grounded finishes

In more modern vinifications, it shows:

• Precision and freshness

• Clear varietal expression

• Bright acidity with restraint

This adaptability makes Kisi appealing to programs that want Georgian identity without committing exclusively to amber wines.

Food Compatibility Comes Easily

Kisi’s structure makes it instinctively food-friendly.

It pairs comfortably with:

• Vegetable-driven dishes

• Poultry and lighter meats

• Spiced or herb-forward cuisines

• Dishes where acidity and texture matter more than fruit

This is one reason Kisi often transitions from by-the-glass curiosity to bottle-list staple. It works without explanation.

Why Sommeliers Are Paying Attention Now

The renewed focus on Kisi isn’t accidental. It aligns with broader shifts in wine culture:

• Interest in indigenous varieties

• Demand for moderate alcohol and balance

• Appreciation for texture over intensity

Kisi offers all of this without feeling forced or trendy. It feels rediscovered, not reinvented.

Producers like Vine Ponto, Mosmieri, Marani, and Winera are showing how precise and compelling Kisi can be when treated with care and clarity.

From Forgotten to Essential

Kisi’s story mirrors Georgia’s broader wine revival. What was once sidelined is now central—not because it’s rare, but because it speaks clearly.

It’s a grape that:

• Honors tradition without nostalgia

• Performs across styles

• Makes sense on a modern wine list

That’s why Kisi is increasingly poured, discussed, and remembered.

How Corus Imports Thinks About Kisi

At Corus Imports, we look to Kisi as a benchmark grape—one that introduces Georgian wine thoughtfully and rewards deeper exploration.

We focus on Kisi wines that emphasize:

• Balance over power

• Clear structure

• Authentic regional expression

These are wines that don’t need explanation to succeed—but offer plenty to talk about once the glass is empty.

A Quiet Favorite, No Longer Forgotten

Kisi doesn’t announce itself loudly. It doesn’t need to. Through texture, balance, and subtle complexity, it earns attention the way the best wines do—over time.

🍷 Explore Kisi and the wider Georgian portfolio at corusimports.com, and discover why this once-forgotten grape is becoming a sommelier favorite.