Georgian wine PDO
Bolnisi
3 min
Overview
Bolnisi is one of Georgia's newest Protected Designations of Origin, officially recognized in 2020, yet its vineyards rest on centuries of viticultural history. Located in southern Kartli near the town of Bolnisi, the area was shaped both by ancient Georgian winemaking traditions and by German settlers who arrived in the 19th century, leaving a lasting agricultural legacy.
Today, Bolnisi represents a new chapter in Georgian wine: precise, contemporary, and terroir-focused. The PDO is gaining attention for clean, fruit-forward dry reds and structured rosés, primarily from Tavkveri (თავკვერი) and Saperavi (საფერავი), wines that emphasize balance and drinkability over sheer power.
Geography & climate
The Bolnisi PDO lies in Kvemo Kartli, approximately 60 kilometers south of Tbilisi, at elevations between 400 and 650 meters above sea level. Vineyards are planted on rolling hills and river terraces within the Mashavera River basin, framed by the foothills of the Lesser Caucasus.
Soils are highly diverse, combining clay, loess, limestone, and volcanic tuff. This geological mix contributes mineral tension and subtle spice to the wines. The climate is mildly continental, with hot summers, cool nights, and low humidity, allowing for clean ripening, vivid aromatics, and well-defined structure.
Authorized grape varieties
- Tavkveri - dominant variety
- Saperavi - widely used in blends and single-varietal wines
- Rkatsiteli - permitted for rosé and limited white production
Both single-varietal and blended wines are permitted, encouraging stylistic diversity while maintaining Bolnisi's regional character.
Wine styles & characteristics
- Color: bright ruby to deep garnet
- Aroma: red cherry, pomegranate, plum, and gentle spice
- Taste: medium-bodied, fresh acidity, fine-grained tannins, and a persistent finish
- Alcohol: typically 12.5-14%
- Style: predominantly dry reds and rosés; small volumes of white and qvevri wines produced experimentally
Bolnisi wines reflect southern Kartli's mineral-rich soils - expressive and balanced, with clarity of fruit and a distinct sense of place.
Taste profile
- Aromas: red berries, cranberry, violet, and light herbal spice
- Palate: lively and supple, with moderate alcohol and refreshing acidity
- Finish: clean, dry, and lightly earthy with mineral undertones
Stylistically, Bolnisi sits between Kartli's elegance and Kakheti's intensity - structured yet restrained, modern yet grounded.
Production rules
As defined by Georgia's National Wine Agency:
- Grapes must originate exclusively from the Bolnisi microzone
- Maximum yield: 9 tons per hectare
- Permitted styles: dry red, rosé, and limited white wines
- Minimum alcohol: 11.5%
- Minimum maturation: 6 months before release
Food pairing
Bolnisi's freshness and moderate structure make it highly food-friendly:
- Grilled pork, chicken, or veal
- Mushroom dishes, roasted eggplant, or khachapuri
- Charcuterie, semi-hard cheeses, and tomato-based sauces
- Herb-driven dishes such as tarragon salad or lobiani
Serve red wines at 16-17 °C and rosés at 10-12 °C.
Summary
Bolnisi PDO (ბოლნისი) symbolizes the future-facing spirit of Kartli wine - youthful, precise, and confidently Georgian. Its Tavkveri- and Saperavi-based wines unite history with innovation, revealing the promise of southern Kartli's soils through clarity, balance, and modern craftsmanship. On Georgia's evolving wine map, Bolnisi stands as a region of renewal and quiet ambition.