The Grape Revival: Rare Georgian Wine Varietals Reclaim the Spotlight

In a wine world dominated by global varietals like Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc, Georgian wine is charting its own path—resurrecting native grapes that are rewriting what it means to drink regionally and authentically.

At Corus Imports, we’re proud to lead the U.S. revival of Georgian indigenous varietals—grapes like Kisi, Tavkveri, and Chinuri that are reshaping the narrative of quality, sustainability, and terroir-driven winemaking.

Forgotten Grapes with Unforgettable Character

Georgia’s wine heritage includes over 500 native grape varieties, yet only a fraction are commonly known outside the region. That’s changing fast.

Kisi: Aromatic and Deeply Textured

Revived from near obscurity, Kisi is a white grape that produces layered wines with notes of baked quince, citrus rind, wildflower honey, and warm spice. Whether made in stainless steel or aged in qvevri, Kisi delivers tension and depth, offering an excellent alternative for drinkers who enjoy skin-contact styles without overwhelming tannin.

Tavkveri: A Delicate Red with Serious Identity

Tavkveri thrives in eastern Georgia and produces expressive reds known for red berry aromas, soft acidity, and herbal nuance. Think of it as Georgia’s answer to Gamay—with more structure and unmistakable Georgian soul. It’s gaining popularity among U.S. sommeliers who want to move beyond predictable Pinot.

Chinuri: Crisp, Linear, and Naturally Vibrant

Best known for its high acidity and alpine freshness, Chinuri is a white grape ideal for still and sparkling Georgian wines. Its subtle minerality, floral lift, and citrus edge make it one of the country's best-kept secrets—until now.

🧠 Did You Know? Chinuri is one of the few Georgian varieties traditionally used for méthode ancestrale sparkling wines, long before “pet-nat” became a trend.

Corus Imports: Connecting U.S. Wine Lovers with Georgian Originals

As the leading Georgian wine importer in the United States, Corus Imports is deeply committed to preserving and promoting Georgia’s vinous biodiversity. We partner with producers who specialize in these lesser-known grapes—not to capitalize on novelty, but to restore balance and authenticity to modern wine offerings.

By focusing on terroir-driven varietals, minimal intervention, and indigenous grapes, we offer American consumers an entry point into a wine culture that remains largely untouched by industrial influence.

Why These Grapes Deserve a Place on Your Table

• Indigenous Georgian grapes offer bold, original flavor profiles you won’t find in conventional wines

• Kisi, Tavkveri, and Chinuri are gaining attention for their authenticity, freshness, and versatility

• Corus Imports brings these varietals directly from Georgia to the U.S. market, supporting small producers and traditional methods

• These wines reflect a deeper story—of place, heritage, and sustainability

🍷 Want to taste the future of wine through its past?

Browse the Corus Imports collection of Georgian wine and discover how native varietals like Kisi, Tavkveri, and Chinuri are redefining what “authentic” really means.