Palm & Vine
  • Home
  • Free Resources
  • About Me
  • Press & Portfolio
  • Services
  • Contact Me
  • Wine
    • Tastings & Events
    • Wineries
    • World of Wine
  • Rare Varieties
  • Food & Wine
  • Musings

Copyright © 2023 Palm & Vine.
All Rights Reserved.
 

Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Cookie Policy
Disclaimer

Social Links

Free Resources
Contact
Palm & Vine
Palm & Vine Palm & Vine
  • Wine
    • Wine Tastings & Events
    • World of Wine
    • Wineries
  • Rare Varieties
  • Food & Wine
  • About
    • My Wine Lifestyle
    • Contact Me
  • Press & Portfolio
  • Services
    • Find Your Marketing Flavor Profile
    • Free Resources
  • WineComm 365
Teliani Valley Winery Tsolikouri
  • Rare Varieties

Georgian Tsolikouri from The Birthplace of Wine

  • 4 minute read
Total
4
Shares
4
0
5

We are heading to the birthplace of wine and the world’s cradle of viticulture for the next installment of rare varieties. Do you know it? I’m talking about Georgia! In case you’re not familiar with this country, Georgia shares a northern border with Russia. The Black Sea lies on Georgia’s western coast.  While Aizerbaijan sits to the east of Georgia with Turkey and Armenia to the south. Now, I already featured Armenian wines for my rare varieties series, including Haghtanak, Voskehat, Areni Noir, and Kangun. Considering their neighboring ancient winemaking histories, I expected Georgian and Armenian wines to taste similar. Yet the Georgian wines were unique in their own right and I’ll soon share why. So, let’s kick off our Georgian rare varieties journey with Tsolikouri and a white wine from Teliani Valley, one of the country’s 20 PDOs. But first, here’s a bit on Georgia.

The History of Wine in Georgia

Georgians were making wine as far back as 8,000 years ago. Archaeologists discovered remains of grape seeds and vines which had been sealed in ancient clay winemaking vessels proving as much. According to the Georgian Wines website, winemaking began in Georgia  3,000 years before written word existed and 5,000 years before the Iron Age. That’s ancient history!

Due to the country’s geographic location, Georgia has succumbed to a multitude of adversaries throughout history. The Greeks, Romans, Persians, Turks, and more have all invaded Georgia. Contentious powers still threaten the country even today in the 21st century. Georgians were often forced to abandon their vineyards as they were constantly fleeing their homeland for safety. Consequently, they developed a practice of saving saplings to cultivate vineyards of their indigenous varieties wherever they ended up. This practice prevented native Georgian varieties from going extinct and exemplifies the fortitude and resilience of the people of Georgia. Furthermore, this feat is all the more impressive with the recognition that over 500 unique varieties exist in Georgia today.

The Georgian Terroir

The skyscraping Caucasus Mountain range comprises the border between Russia and Georgia. The peaks of the Caucasus Mountains tower as high as 4,000 – 5,000m above sea level. These mountains extend south into Georgia, claiming one third of the country’s terrain. Thanks to their great height, the Caucasus Mountains protect Georgia from the cold air on its way from the north. As the mountain range reaches west towards the Black Sea, the elevation declines. This allows warm, moist air off the Black Sea to work its way east into Georgia.

The Georgian climate ranges from lush and subtropical in the west to alpine and even desert-like as you head east. Because of its vicinity to the Black Sea, western Georgia has a humid, subtropical climate and often sees year-round rainfall. Alternatively, eastern Georgia ranges from a moderately humid to dry climate. Soils vary throughout the country. Though you can expect mineral rich soils near the Black Sea. Additionally, Georgia has fourteen main rivers and 25,000 smaller rivers, which all do their part to carry mineral-rich deposits throughout the country. This is why you’ll find limestone caves and cave cities all over Georgia.

Teliani Valley Winery Tsolikouri

The Variety: Tsolikouri

Tsolikouri is an indigenous variety to western Georgia and planted prominently in the western half of the country. This Georgian white wine has risen to popularity since the 19th century. The name is a term of endearment, as Tsolikouri translates to “my wife’s wine.”

The clusters of Tsolikouri are typically medium in size, conical, sometimes winged, and moderately compact. Tsolikouri is considered a late-ripening variety as harvest tends to occur in late October. Luckily, this variety is resistant to many fungal diseases, which is all the more important in a humid climate. However, Tsolikouri is susceptible to frost.

Tsolikouri wines are medium to full-bodied with characteristic aromas of citrus, florals, and yellow fruits. You’ll find this variety in both fresh and oaked styles, the latter of which are better for aging. Tsolikouri also produces sparkling wines in Georgia.

The Winery: Teliani Valley Winery

Teliani Valley Winery is located in the Kakheti Appellation in southeastern Georgia. Established in 1997, Teliani Valley Winery is one of Georgia’s largest producers. They’ve been available in the American market longer than most Georgian producers and have received the best scores from Wine Spectator of any Georgian winery to date. Teliani Valley Winery cultivates vineyards in their namesake valley on the same estate that once produced wines adored by the Russian Emperor.

Teliani Valley Winery Tsolikouri

Teliani Valley Winery, Tsolikouri 2018

  • The grapes for this wine were sourced from a different region in the Tvishi micro-zone of Lechkhumi at higher elevations in the Caucasus Mountains
  • Medium intensity straw color
  • Medium-minus pronounced aromas of lemon zest, green apple and pear
  • Medium-bodied with super lively, zesty acidity, yet round on the palate
  • Medium length finish, but the green apple and pear notes carry through

Pairing Suggestions

Tsolikouri is a great match for salty, fresh cheeses like feta or paneer. This wine is an ideal pairing for lighter dishes like a quiche with goat cheese and fresh herbs, crispy goat cheese poppers, oven roasted chicken and potatoes seasoned with fresh thyme, chicken piccata, and scallops basted in butter and fresh parsley.

Sources

Georgian Wines

Georgian Wine House

Share 4
Tweet 0
Pin it 5

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
Total
9
Shares
Share 4
Tweet 0
Pin it 5
Related Topics
  • Georgian Wine
  • International Wine
  • White Wine
  • Wine Tasting
Previous Article
Greek Dolmades
  • Food & Wine

Greek Dolmades Pair Well with Aromatic Whites

View Post
Next Article
Crostini Appetizer
  • Food & Wine

Grilled Crostini With Ricotta, Sweet Peppers & Salsa Verde

View Post

You May Also Like

Freisa, italian wine, red wine, piedmont, piemonte italy
View Post
  • 4 min
  • Rare Varieties

Freisa – A Rare Italian Red Related to Nebbiolo

Roero, Arneis, Piedmont Italy, Italian wine, wine region
View Post
  • 4 min
  • Rare Varieties

Arneis: Piedmont’s Great White Italian Wine

Verduno Pelaverga, Piedmont, Cuneo
View Post
  • 3 min
  • Rare Varieties

Pelaverga a.k.a. One of Piedmont’s Most Delicious Rare Varieties

Timorasso, Derthona, Walter Massa
View Post
  • 5 min
  • Rare Varieties

Timorasso – From Nearly Extinct to Cult Classic

slarina, Italian red wine, Monferrato
View Post
  • 3 min
  • Rare Varieties

Slarina: Almost Extinct Age Worthy Red Wines in Monferrato

Grignolino from Monferrato
View Post
  • 5 min
  • Rare Varieties

Grignolino – A Rebellious Yet Noble Red Variety in Monferrato

Nascetta, Piedmont, white wine
View Post
  • 4 min
  • Rare Varieties

Nascetta – A Rare Variety Making Memorable Wines in Piemonte

Ferraris Ruché
View Post
  • 6 min
  • Rare Varieties
  • Wineries

Discover Ruché with Ferraris Agricola

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Discover Your Digital Marketing Flavor Profile

Winery digital marketing, wine social media marketing, winery brand messaging
about

About

Hi, I’m Nikki. Welcome to Palm & Vine – a wine blog for the adventurous at heart. Allow me to guide you into the world of wine, help you create unforgettable wine pairings, and inspire your wine travels to far off destinations. I can’t wait to savor, sip, and wander together.
Read More

Let’s Connect!

Free resources
Subscribe & Get Access To My Exclusive Digital Wine Resource Library!
Marketing by
ActiveCampaign

Rare Varieties

  • Freisa, italian wine, red wine, piedmont, piemonte italy
    • Rare Varieties

    Freisa – A Rare Italian Red Related to Nebbiolo

      • Rare Varieties
    View Post
  • Roero, Arneis, Piedmont Italy, Italian wine, wine region
    • Rare Varieties

    Arneis: Piedmont’s Great White Italian Wine

      • Rare Varieties
    View Post
  • Verduno Pelaverga, Piedmont, Cuneo
    • Rare Varieties

    Pelaverga a.k.a. One of Piedmont’s Most Delicious Rare Varieties

      • Rare Varieties
    View Post
  • Timorasso, Derthona, Walter Massa
    • Rare Varieties

    Timorasso – From Nearly Extinct to Cult Classic

      • Rare Varieties
    View Post
  • slarina, Italian red wine, Monferrato
    • Rare Varieties

    Slarina: Almost Extinct Age Worthy Red Wines in Monferrato

      • Rare Varieties
    View Post

Watch Wine Masters TV

wine masters TV, wine documentary, learn about wine, wine movies, gaja, mastroberardino, antinori, italian wine, french wine, spanish wine

Instagram

Posts You’ll Love

  • aromas in wine, wine tasting, red wine aromas, primary aromas
    Aromas in Wine: 25 of the Most Common Wine Aromas Explained
  • Adelaida Vineyards & Winery
    Exclusive Look Inside Adelaida Vineyards & Winery
  • Bud Break in Burgundy
    Bud Break, Flowering & Fruit Set – Nature’s Gift to Wine Lovers
  • Cannonau
    Sardinian Cannonau is a Global Contender
  • Vernaccia di Oristano
    Vernaccia di Oristano – Sardinia’s Most Fascinating Wine
Palm & Vine Wine Blog

Copyright © 2023 Palm & Vine.
All Rights Reserved.
 

Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Cookie Policy
Disclaimer

Featured Categories

Crostini Appetizer
Food & Wine
53 Posts
View Posts
Yarra Valley Wine Region
Musings
22 Posts
View Posts
Veraison Grapes
Rare Varieties
51 Posts
View Posts
Palm & Vine
Tastings & Events
19 Posts
View Posts
winemaking, wine country, wine region, vineyards
Wine
24 Posts
View Posts
Adelaida Vineyards & Winery
Wineries
35 Posts
View Posts
Vigne Surrau Barrel Room
World of Wine
38 Posts
View Posts
Subscribe & Get Access To My Exclusive Digital Wine Resource Library!
Marketing by
ActiveCampaign

Copyright © 2023 Palm & Vine.
All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Cookie Policy
Disclaimer

Free resources

Pinterest Profile

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

This website uses cookies to function and to track how you interact with the website. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Read More Cookie settings Accept
Cookie Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser, as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Analytics

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

Performance

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

Advertisement

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.

 

Loading Comments...