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Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Caucasus Mountains, south of the Imereti wine region, Meskheti is a hidden gem in the world of Georgian viticulture. This enchanting wine-producing region is celebrated for its rich history, unique winemaking traditions, and an impressive array of grape varieties. Meskheti has been cultivating vines and crafting wines for centuries, and its storied heritage is a testament to the enduring art of winemaking in Georgia. This region shares a border with the Kartli wine region to the north.
The landscape of the Meskheti wine region, characterized by rolling hills and pristine valleys, provides the ideal canvas for cultivating an impressive array of grape varieties. Among these, you'll find the Akhaltsikhis Tetri, Meskhuri Mtsvane, Meskhuri Kharistvala, Saparuli, Kharistvala, Bejana, Tavdakiduli, Roketula, Tskhenisdzudzu, and Tamaris Vazi. Each of these grape varieties contributes its own distinct character to the region's wines, making Meskheti a true paradise for oenophiles.
Whether you're a wine enthusiast or a curious traveller seeking a taste of Georgia's winemaking heritage, Meskheti promises an unforgettable journey. With its breathtaking landscapes and a diverse palette of grape varieties, this wine region invites you to savour the essence of Georgian winemaking at its finest.
In this guide, we will discuss the various aspects that make Msketi a unique wine region, including its terroir, history, signature grapes and wines, the best wineries within this area, and the sustainable efforts of local winemakers to produce greener wines.
Vineyard Hectares
WINERIES
The Meskheti wine region in Georgia is a captivating destination that unfolds amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the South Caucasus. This region is renowned for its dramatic and mountainous terrain, which stands as a testament to nature's grandeur. Nestled among the mighty peaks of the Caucasus Mountains, the Meskheti wine region is the highest vine-growing area in Georgia, offering a truly unique setting for viticulture.
Here, vineyards thrive at elevations ranging from 900 to 1,700 meters above sea level, defying conventional expectations. The undulating hills and valleys that define this picturesque landscape are adorned with vineyards that cascade down stone-walled terraces, referred to locally as "Oroki" and "Sakve." These terraces, some of which can be impressively multi-tiered, contribute to the region's distinctive charm and heritage.
To the left of the Mtkvari River and in areas such as Potskhovi and Kobliani, vineyards sprawl across south, south-east, and south-west-facing slopes, known as the "zvare." This region enjoys extended hours of sunlight, encouraging vines to awaken earlier in the year and nurture grapes with high sugar content. On the contrary, the terraces along the right bank of the river, aptly known as "the shadowy zone," offer a different character to the landscape.
Overall, the Meskheti wine region is a captivating marriage of rugged mountains, pristine valleys, and centuries-old terraced vineyards. It's a place where nature's magnificence intertwines with the artistry of winemaking, creating a landscape that beckons both wine enthusiasts and adventurers alike to explore its beauty and indulge in its rich heritage.
Unlike regions like Adjara, which have a humid subtropical climate, Meskheti is characterized by a continental climate, with cold winters and long, warm summers. It encompasses a climate even more continental than the steppe-like expanses of Lower Kartli and Outer Kakheti, distinguishing it as a region of climatic uniqueness. Here, a moderately dry, steppe-like subtropical mountain climate takes center stage, painting a vivid picture of climatic extremes that profoundly influence the winemaking process.
Winters in Meskheti are a study in their own right, marked by their cold intensity, yet intriguingly sparse snowfall. This is a place where frosty days stretch out, and the land remains draped in a quiet, serene white.
On the other hand, summers unveil themselves with a long, sun-kissed embrace, gracing the region with warmth that extends across the landscape. It is a climate of contrasts, where the winter's icy grip yields to the summer's gentle caress.
Nowhere is this climatic distinction more evident than in the Akhaltsikhe area, where the annual precipitation totals reveal Meskheti's arid tendencies. Here, the land receives a mere 400-520 mm of precipitation annually. The average annual temperature hovers between 8-9ºC, underscoring the region's aridity. It is, without a doubt, the driest winemaking territory in all of Georgia.
This parched environment requires meticulous attention to the vineyards' needs. Watering becomes a vital practice to nurture the grapes to their full potential, ensuring a bountiful harvest. The region's precipitation predominantly graces the landscape during the summer months, while winters in Meskheti are characterized by their harsh and frosty disposition.
As a testament to the resilience of Meskheti's winemakers, traditional practices such as burying the vines during the frigid winter months have been upheld. Additionally, the terraced vineyards, which grace this land with their timeless beauty, provide a protective shield against the frost's icy fingers, safeguarding the delicate vineyards and nurturing the grapes that yield the region's exceptional wines.
Meskheti's climate, though demanding, adds its unique character to the region's winemaking narrative, creating wines of rare distinction and character.
In the captivating wine region of Meskheti, the soil composition plays a crucial role in shaping the character of the vineyards and the wines they produce. As we delve into the diverse tapestry of soils that grace this land, a fascinating array of characteristics and qualities come to light:
In Meskheti, the synergy between the diverse soil types and the art of winemaking yields wines of exceptional character, each terroir expressing its own story, intricately intertwined with the land's history and the passion of its vintners.
In the Meskheti wine region of Georgia, a steadfast commitment to traditional viticulture practices is at the forefront, particularly in the realm of sustainability and organic wine production.
This idyllic region is renowned for its stone-walled terrace vineyards, lovingly referred to by locals as "Oroki" and "Sakve," which add a distinctive charm to the landscape and significantly contribute to its unique viticultural heritage. These terraces, often fashioned into multi-tiered masterpieces, stand as a testament to the enduring legacy of winemaking in Meskheti. For instance, one can marvel at the terraces in Khizabavra, where they can span an astonishing 50 steps.
Yet, in the midst of preserving these ancient vineyard terraces lies a challenge that must not be underestimated – the crucial need for preservation and restoration. Although there were valiant initiatives aimed at revitalizing these terraces a few years ago, regrettably, progress was abruptly halted.
It is of paramount importance that local authorities channel their attention and resources towards this pressing issue to ensure the continuity and sustainability of these cherished, time-honoured viticultural practices. The preservation of these terraces not only safeguards a rich cultural heritage but also underscores the region's commitment to environmentally friendly and organic winemaking, making it a beacon of sustainability in the wine industry.
Within the Meskheti wine region, you will not find grapes like Rachuli Tetra, which are most commonly grown in regions such as Racha, as well as Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc. Instead, this area is renowned for its unique grape varieties, each with distinct agricultural and climatic requirements. These varieties are integral to the region's winemaking heritage and are known for their adaptation to the specific terroir of Meskheti. Below is an overview of some of these distinctive grape varieties:
Each of these grape varieties contributes to the rich tapestry of Meskheti's viticulture, embodying the region's unique environmental conditions and centuries-old winemaking traditions.
The Meskheti wine region in Georgia, known for its rich viticultural heritage and unique grape varieties, offers a diverse range of rare wines that are as intriguing as the landscape from which they originate. This region, characterized by its high-altitude vineyards and terraced landscapes, cultivates a diverse range of grapes that contribute to its distinctive wines.
Each wine produced here, from the full-bodied reds to the refreshing whites, exhibits a unique aromatic and flavour profile that reflects the rich soil and ancient winemaking traditions of Meskheti.
Although each of these wines is typically produced as a single varietal, it is also common to find blends of different grape varieties to enhance the complexity of the wine bottles.
Wine tourism in Meskheti offers a captivating journey through one of Georgia’s most historic and scenic wine regions. This region is renowned for its ancient terraced vineyards, rare indigenous grape varieties, and a winemaking heritage that passionate local producers have revived. Visitors can immerse themselves in authentic Georgian hospitality, taste unique wines, and explore the region’s rich cultural and natural landmarks.
Meskheti has experienced a remarkable revival in recent years, thanks to passionate winemakers dedicated to restoring its ancient winemaking traditions. For travellers and wine lovers seeking authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences, the region offers a unique taste of Georgia’s rich wine heritage. Let's talk about two of the best wineries you can find within this region:
The Meskheti wine region, nestled amongst the lofty peaks of Georgia's mountainous terrain, stands as one of the highest vine-growing regions not only in the country but quite possibly in the entire world. Here, an astonishing altitude range of 900 to 1,700 meters above sea level serves as the vineyards' unique canvas—a fact that might astound many.
As chronicled by Shalva Tsikvadze, a notable authority on Meskheti's winemaking history, it's within the shadow of the Mtkvari River, in areas like Potskhovi and Kobliani, where south, south-east, and south-west-facing slopes bask in extended hours of sunlight.
This region, historically known as the "zvare," witnesses vines awakening earlier in the year, nurturing grapes with an abundance of sugar. As a result, the wine produced in this micro-zone boasts superior quality compared to its counterparts from terraced vineyards on the right bank of the river, an area fondly referred to by locals as "the shadowy zone."
Meskheti holds a significant place in the annals of Georgia's ancient winemaking regions, with some experts speculating that it may have given birth to some of the nation's oldest grape varieties, including Saperavi, Dzelshavi, Khikhvi, and others. However, the Turkish invasion of the Samtskhe saatabago (dukedom) in 1578 marked a dark period in the region's winemaking history, leading to the progressive decline of viticulture. Nonetheless, a census conducted in 1595 reveals a surprising resurgence, with around 10-12,000 tons of grapes harvested in the Aspindza area alone—an impressive feat, considering the circumstances.
The true revival of Meskheti's winemaking legacy dawned in the 1940s and 50s. Pioneering Georgian scientists Maxime Ramishvili and Davit Tabidze explored the region's viticultural potential and indigenous grape varieties during the 1930s and 1940s. Sadly, their findings were co-opted by the Soviet government. Yet, this era witnessed the cultivation of new grape varieties, such as Goruli mtsvane, Chinuri, Rkatsiteli, Pinot, Aligoté, and Khikhvi, primarily destined for the production of sparkling wines.
Traditionally, vineyards in Meskheti graced the terraced landscapes. However, in modern times, only the Natenadzes' wine cellar continues to produce limited quantities of Meskhetian wine, as vineyards now cover a relatively small portion of the region.
In sum, the future of Meskhetian viticulture and winemaking gleams with promise, poised to rekindle the ancient traditions and elevate the region's standing in the world of wine.
In conclusion, the Meskheti wine region stands as a true reflection of Georgia's winemaking heritage, offering wine enthusiasts an impressive array of distinctive wines crafted from rare indigenous grape varieties. Its breathtaking landscapes, characterized by ancient terraced vineyards and the dramatic backdrop of the Caucasus Mountains, invite travellers to explore and savour the unique flavours born from this captivating terroir. As the region continues to embrace sustainable practices and revive its storied past, Meskheti promises a wine experience like no other, where every bottle tells a tale of tradition, innovation, and passion.
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