Georgian wine PDO

Gurjaani

3 min

Overview

Gurjaani is a historic Protected Designation of Origin in Kakheti, producing white wines primarily from Rkatsiteli (რქაწითელი), with limited use of Kakhuri Mtsvane. Located in the central Alazani Valley, the PDO reflects the agricultural heart of Kakheti, where fertile soils and balanced climatic conditions produce wines of substance and reliability.

Stylistically, Gurjaani sits between Kakheti's more defined white PDOs: less strict and linear than Tsinandali, and less overtly aromatic than Vazisubani. Its wines are grounded, full-bodied, and honest, emphasizing texture, ripeness, and mineral presence over perfume.

Geography & climate

The Gurjaani PDO occupies the right bank of the Alazani River within Gurjaani municipality, at elevations ranging from 350 to 700 meters above sea level. This central position places it between the cooler foothill zones and the warmer valley floor.

Soils are predominantly deep alluvial clays mixed with limestone and sand, well suited to Rkatsiteli's vigorous growth and deep root systems. The moderately humid continental climate brings hot summers and cool autumn nights, preserving acidity even in ripe vintages.

Authorized grape varieties

Rkatsiteli provides structure, acidity, and restrained fruit, while small additions of Mtsvane contribute floral lift and roundness.

Wine styles & characteristics

  • Color: pale straw to golden yellow
  • Aroma: green apple, citrus peel, dried herbs, and almond
  • Taste: full-bodied, fresh acidity, mineral-driven, with a dry or gently off-dry finish
  • Alcohol: typically 12-13.5%
  • Style: structured, clean, and lightly aromatic

Both dry and naturally semi-sweet expressions retain a distinctly Kakhetian weight and earthy-mineral core, offering richness without heaviness.

Taste profile

  • Aromas: quince, pear, wildflowers, and citrus zest
  • Palate: firm and refreshing in dry styles; rounder and smoother in semi-sweet versions
  • Finish: clean, slightly nutty, with a saline edge typical of the Alazani Valley

Qvevri-fermented Gurjaani develops amber hues, added body, and gentle tannic grip, emphasizing spice and dried fruit notes.

Production rules

According to regulations set by Georgia's National Wine Agency:

  • Grapes must originate exclusively from the Gurjaani microzone
  • Maximum yield: 10 tons per hectare
  • Permitted styles: dry and naturally semi-sweet white wine
  • Alcohol range: 11-13.5%
  • Minimum aging: 9 months before release

Food pairing

Gurjaani pairs well with a wide range of foods:

  • Grilled fish, roasted chicken, mushroom-based dishes, and vegetable stews
  • Citrus-forward or herb-driven sauces
  • Soft cheeses, walnut-based Georgian dishes, and mild spices
  • Light charcuterie or fruit-accented desserts

Serve dry styles at 11-12 °C and semi-sweet styles slightly cooler, around 10 °C.

Summary

Gurjaani PDO (გურჯაანი) reflects the steady, confident core of Kakheti's winemaking tradition. Built around Rkatsiteli, its wines favor structure, balance, and authenticity over ornament. Whether made dry or gently semi-sweet, Gurjaani remains a dependable and enduring expression of Georgia's central wine-growing plains.

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Gurjaani wines

Georgian wine heritage

8000 years of living winemaking tradition

From qvevri buried beneath the soil of village cellars to the vineyards of Kakheti and Imereti, Georgian wine has always been part of daily life. Tradition here isn't frozen in the past - it's practiced every harvest, through natural fermentation, indigenous grapes, and families who continue to make wine the way they always have. This living culture, recognized by UNESCO, is why Georgia is considered the world's oldest continuously active winemaking country.