Georgian wine PDO
Gurjaani
3 min
Overview
Gurjaani is a historic PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) in Kakheti, known for producing dry and semi-sweet white wines primarily from Rkatsiteli (რქაწითელი). It represents the central heart of Kakheti's winemaking belt, where fertile soils and balanced climate yield wines of warmth, substance, and steady character.
Gurjaani wines are less austere than Tsinandali and less aromatic than Vazisubani - instead, they express a straightforward Georgian authenticity: full-bodied, ripe, and slightly rustic, with the textured presence of Kakheti's valley terroir.
Geography & climate
The Gurjaani PDO covers the right bank of the Alazani River, within the Gurjaani municipality, between 350 and 700 meters above sea level. The zone lies in the central Alazani Valley - a meeting point between the cooler eastern slopes and the warmer lowlands.
The soils are rich alluvial clays with limestone and sand, ideal for deep-rooted Rkatsiteli vines. The climate is moderately humid continental, with hot summers, cool autumns, and significant day-night temperature variations that maintain acidity even in high-sugar vintages.
Authorized grape varieties
- Rkatsiteli - 85-100%
- Kakhuri Mtsvane - up to 15%
The blend is dominated by Rkatsiteli, which provides structure, freshness, and subtle fruit; Mtsvane, when used, adds light floral notes and smoothness.
Wine styles & characteristics
- Color: straw-yellow to gold
- Aroma: green apple, citrus, dried herbs, and almond
- Taste: full-bodied, crisp acidity, mineral backbone, dry finish
- Alcohol: 12-13.5%
- Style: clean, structured, and lightly aromatic
Both, Dry and Semi-sweet Gurjaani, expressions share a distinctly Kakhetian weight and mineral undercurrent - rich but never heavy.
Taste profile
- Aromas: quince, pear, wildflowers, citrus zest
- Palate: firm and refreshing in dry styles; silky and balanced in semi-sweet versions
- Finish: clean, slightly nutty, with a saline edge typical of the Alazani Valley
When fermented in qvevri, Gurjaani gains additional body and spice, producing amber-hued versions with subtle tannic grip.
Production rules
Defined by Georgia's National Wine Agency:
- Grapes must originate exclusively from the Gurjaani microzone
- Maximum yield: 10 tons/ha
- Permitted styles: dry and naturally semi-sweet
- Alcohol: 11-13.5%
- Aging: minimum 9 months before release
Food pairing
Gurjaani is ideal with:
- Grilled fish, roasted chicken, mushroom khachapuri, or vegetable stew
- Ideal with light, citrus-based or herbal sauces
- Soft cheeses, nut-based Georgian dishes, or mildly spicy cuisine
- Works well with fruit-based desserts or charcuterie
Serve dry styles at 11-12 °C, and semi-sweet versions slightly cooler at 10 °C.
Summary
Gurjaani PDO (გურჯაანი) is the emblem of Kakheti's central plains - full-bodied, confident, and true to origin. Its Rkatsiteli-based whites strike a natural balance between structure and softness, offering both dry and semi-sweet styles that reflect Georgia's agricultural heartland. Gurjaani remains one of the most authentic and enduring expressions of everyday Georgian wine culture.
