New Delhi recently experienced the rich heritage of Georgian wine as two renowned wineries, GWS, and Château Mukhrani, presented an exquisite selection of wines from Georgia, a country that is often celebrated as the birthplace of wine.
The exclusive tasting event, held at Captain’s Cellar in The Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi, brought together a select group of wine connoisseurs and importers who sampled eight unique wines from the two wineries under the umbrella of Marussia Beverages Group, an international producer and distributor of wines, sakes, and spirits.
Mikheil Kobaladze, Head of Export Sales, Marussia Beverages led the tasting, along with Mariam Dzotsenidze, Export Sales Manager, Chateau Mukhrani. H.E. Vakhtang Jaoshvili, the Ambassador of Georgia hosted the evening, personally welcoming all the guests at the tasting.
Georgian Wine: A Timeless Tradition
Georgia’s winemaking history stretches back over 8,000 years, earning the country the title “Cradle of Wine“. Archaeological evidence points to the first cultivated grapevines and wine production originating in this region. Central to this heritage is the Qvevri method, an ancient winemaking technique using large, egg-shaped clay vessels buried underground that is also recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Among the key wine regions of Georgia are:
Kakheti: The heartland of Georgian winemaking, known for its dry and semi-sweet wines, with varieties like Saperavi and Rkatsiteli thriving here.
Kartli: Home to innovative wineries like Château Mukhrani, this region’s cool climate and limestone-rich soils are perfect for balanced, complex wines.
Imereti and Racha-Lechkhumi: Nestled in the western part of the country, these regions are known for lighter, aromatic wines and unique varieties like Tsolikouri.
Adjara: A rising star in the Georgian wine scene, with its subtropical climate lending a unique character to its wines.
About the participating wineries
GWS
Established in 1993, the Kakheti-based GWS winery is renowned for its premium wines made from indigenous grape varieties like Saperavi, Rkatsiteli, and Goruli Mtsvane. They are one of the largest wine companies in Georgia, owning 400 hectares of vineyards and producing 3.5 million bottles annually, mostly with its own grapes. Their Tamada brand is one of Georgia’s first internationally recognized wine brands available in 25 countries. It is named after the Georgian toastmaster Tamada, celebrating Georgia’s traditional feast culture.
Château Mukhrani:
Founded in 1878 by Prince Ivane Bagrationi who introduced the château concept to Georgia after his studies in Bordeaux and Champagne, Château Mukhrani combines royal heritage with cutting-edge winemaking. Located in the Kartli region, the estate’s terroir is rich in sandy clay, limestone, and stony gravel, creating wines of remarkable complexity and elegance.
Tasting sequence at the event
Goruli Mtsvane Dry White 2023 (Château Mukhrani)
Grapes: Goruli Mtsvane 85%, Chinuri 15%.
In my opinion, this wine’s character lies somewhere between a crisp Pinot Grigio and a buttery Chardonnay.
Fermented in stainless steel tanks at 16°C, followed by decanting and “bâtonnage sur lie” (stirring the lees) for 5 months. The wine matures for 14 months on fine lees, with 5% in oak casks and 95% in stainless steel.
Tasting Notes: Brilliant straw color with green hints. Aromas of melon, pear, peach, and dried herbs. A fresh palate of white fruits with citrus and herbal notes complemented by a soft, buttery finish.
Tamada Mtsvane Dry White 2022 (GWS)
Grapes: 100% Mtsvane Kakhuri.
A complex light-medium-bodied wine that is well suited for gourmet pairings.
Hand-harvested in 20 kg boxes, the free-run juice from the grapes for Tamada Mitsvane is fermented separately in stainless steel tanks.
After fermentation, the wine is decanted off the gross lees and undergoes bâtonnage for up to 6 months, followed by 6-8 months with French oak staves.
Tasting Notes: Light golden colour with intense aromas of ripe white and tropical fruits. The palate has refreshing flavours of tropical fruits, and a soft fruity finish.
Secret Collection Dry White 2020 (Château Mukhrani)
Grapes: Rkatsiteli 46%, Chardonnay 33%, Sauvignon Blanc 12%, Goruli Mtsvane 7%, Muscat 2%.
An interesting blend of Georgian and international grape varietals. This is a refreshing “aperitif” wine that you would want to linger with.
Hand-harvested in 20 kg boxes, the free-run juice from the grapes for Tamada Mitsvane is fermented separately in stainless steel tanks.
Tasting Notes: Bright golden colour wine with a bouquet of floral and green fruit aromas. A refreshing palate with flavours of tree fruits and nuts followed by a long finish.
Qvevri Dry White 2019 (Château Mukhrani)
Grapes: Rkatsiteli 70%, Goruli Mtsvane 30%.
The heritage aspect of Georgian winemaking is fully demonstrated in this delightful wine. It could easily be called the “Pride of Georgia”.
Grapes are put en masse into Qvevris (900–2100 L). Natural fermentation occurs at 27°C with soft “pigeage” (punching down the crust).
After fermentation, Qvevris are sealed for 6 months of skin maceration and natural malolactic fermentation.
The wine is then decanted into clean and unclear fractions; the latter distilled into “Chacha” (Georgian Eau de Vie).
The clean wine is aged in old oak barrels (53%) and stainless-steel tanks (47%) for 8 months. After final blending and light filtration, the wine undergoes a minimum of 1-year bottle aging in Château Mukhrani’s caves before release.
Tasting Notes: Bright golden-amber color. Aromas of green fruits, citrus, and soft floral notes evolve into ripe yellow fruits and tropical aromas. The palate transitions to sweet ripe tones, accented by crisp acidity, lemon peel, apricot, and a subtle almond bitterness in the finish.
Tamada Saperavi Dry Red 2021 (GWS)
Grape: 100% Saperavi.
This wine represents the uniqueness of Georgia’s most famous red grape- Saperavi.
Grapes are hand-picked in 20 kg boxes after which they are crushed and fermented including one month of maceration with skin contact. Malolactic fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, followed by 8–12 months of aging in French oak barrels.
Tasting Notes: Mature ruby with a garnet rim. The bouquet reveals ripe red fruit blended with subtle oak aromas. On the palate, it is full-bodied with powerful tannins and balanced acidity. This is an excellent age-worthy wine.
Secret Collection Dry Red 2019 (Château Mukhrani)
Grapes: Saperavi 51%, Cabernet Sauvignon 30%, Syrah 10%, Petit Verdot 9%.
Another teeth-staining powerhouse wine that aptly represents the internationalization of Georgian wines.
Whole grape bunches are transported to stainless steel tanks. After 3–5 days of pre-fermentation maceration, natural fermentation occurs at 28°C .
Free-run wine is separated, and the mash is gently pressed.
After natural malolactic fermentation, the wine matures for 18 months in oak barrels (83%) and clay amphorae (7%). Final blending, fining, and filtration follow.
Tasting Notes: Deep ruby with a purple tinge. Rich bouquet of spices, black pepper, smoky oak, and wild berries. A full-bodied palate with round tannins and flavours of ripe berries with spicy highlights.
Reserve Royal Shavkapito Dry Red 2019 (Château Mukhrani)
Grape: 100% Shavkapito.
Grapes are transported to stainless steel fermentation vessels by a peristaltic pump. After 3–5 days of maceration, fermentation occurs in conical stainless-steel tanks at 28°C, followed by 1 month post-fermentation skin maceration.
Natural malolactic fermentation takes place before aging the wine for 18 months in oak barrels (64% new, 36% old) and 4% in amphorae for 14 months. Final blending, fining, and filtration are done before bottling, with at least 1 year of bottle aging before release.
Tasting Notes: Deep ruby with a purple hue. The bouquet features wild berries, pepper, and smoky oak. The palate has rounded flavors of ripe red and black berries, enhanced by subtle oak and balanced acidity.
Tamada Grand Reserve Dry Red 2017 (GWS)
Grape: 100% Saperavi.
Fermentation of the must is followed by hot maceration to achieve maximum extraction of phenolic compounds.
Malolactic fermentation is affected in barrels, followed by 14 months of aging in French oak barrels (45% new). The resulting wine boasts a dark, rich color, high alcohol content, and powerful tannins.
Tasting Notes: Medium ruby color with a pink rim. Aromas of blackberry, plum, sweet spices, and earthy undertones. A full-bodied palate, with ripe tannins and a lingering aftertaste.
Georgian Wine Prospects in India
The Georgian wine-tasting event showcased the country’s remarkable winemaking heritage. From the bold reds of Saperavi to the delicate whites of Goruli Mtsvane, each bottle offered a sensory journey through Georgia’s rich culture and history. As Indian consumers have become increasingly wine-savvy over the past two decades, there is significant potential to introduce and explore new wines. However, addressing challenges such as pricing, consumer education, and a commitment to a long-term strategy will be crucial to establishing a foothold in the Indian wine market.
More Images from the Georgian Wine Tasting
