Imereti and its wines

TheImereti is a wine region of Georgia, in the western part of the country, with a favourable climate and a winegrowing tradition whose roots go back centuries. This area is known for its range of soils and microclimates, which contribute to the production of unique, distinctive wines. Imereti is famous for its fresh, aromatic white wines, but also for elegant, complex reds that reflect the local terroir and traditional winemaking techniques.

Characteristics of the wines of Imereti

The wines of Imereti are known for their freshness and minerality, thanks to soils rich in clay and limestone. Among the most common varieties is Tsolikouri, an indigenous grape variety that produces white wines with fruity and floral notes. The red wines, such as the Ojaleshi, offer an elegant structure and soft tannins, making them perfect for ageing. The region is also known for its use of terracotta amphorae, a traditional technique that gives the wines a unique complexity.

What is the Imereti wine district?

Imereti is one of Georgia's leading wine regions, lying between the Caucasus mountains and the Black Sea. The area has a temperate climate, with hot summers and mild winters that suit the vines well. The wine areas of Imereti are divided into:

• Imereti hills: with clay and limestone soils, they produce fresh, aromatic wines.
• Rioni Valley: famous for its structured, complex reds, thanks to an ideal microclimate.
• Zestafoni Region: known for producing sweet and lightly sparkling wines, appreciated for their freshness.

The typical grape varieties of Imereti

White grape varieties

• Tsolikouri: a native grape variety that produces fresh, aromatic wines.
• Krakhuna: known for its white wines with fruity and floral notes.

Red grape varieties

• Ojaleshi: a grape variety that produces elegant, complex red wines.
• Saperavi: known for its intensity and its ability to age.

Why choose a wine from Imereti?

Choosing an Imereti wine means immersing yourself in a thousand-year-old winemaking tradition, where every bottle tells a story of passion and dedication. The wines of this region are perfect with the typical dishes of Georgian cuisine, but they also lend themselves to pairings with a wide range of international cuisines. The freshness and complexity of Imereti wines make them an ideal choice for every occasion, from a simple aperitif to more elaborate dinners.