Georgian wine PDO
Napareuli
3 min
Overview
Napareuli is one of Kakheti's northernmost and most distinctive Protected Designations of Origin, producing dry red and dry white wines from Georgia's classic grape varieties. The appellation is centered around the village of Napareuli in the Telavi municipality, set along the southern foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains.
Wines bearing the Napareuli name are known for clarity and precision. The red, made from Saperavi, is structured and mineral, while the white, from Rkatsiteli, emphasizes freshness and subtle spice. Together, they express the cooler, mountain-influenced face of Kakheti - a clear contrast to the broader, warmer valley styles found further south.
Geography & climate
The Napareuli PDO occupies the left bank of the Alazani River at elevations ranging from 400 to 700 meters above sea level. Vineyards stretch along the foothills of the Greater Caucasus, benefiting from cold air currents descending from the mountains and strong southern sun exposure.
Soils consist mainly of light clay and sandy loam, with frequent limestone and gravel inclusions. These conditions promote good drainage and slow, even ripening. The resulting wines are marked by firm acidity, fine structure, and a distinct mineral character.
Authorized grape varieties
- Rkatsiteli - 100%
- Saperavi - 100%
Both red and white Napareuli wines must be produced exclusively from grapes grown within the officially defined Napareuli microzone.
Wine styles & characteristics
- Color: deep ruby to garnet (red); straw-yellow with green highlights (white)
- Aroma: black cherry, plum, forest berries, subtle spice, hints of cedar
- Taste: dry, structured, and focused, with defined tannins (red) or crisp acidity (white) supported by a mineral backbone
- Alcohol: typically 12-13.5%
- Aging: reds are often aged in oak or qvevri for added depth; whites are typically fermented in stainless steel, sometimes with partial oak or qvevri maturation
Both red and white expressions share a common character - restrained, balanced, and clearly articulated.
Taste profile
- Red: dry and structured, showing dark fruit, fine tannins, and a long mineral-driven finish
- White: bright and precise, with notes of orchard fruit, citrus, and subtle nutty nuances
- Finish: persistent and elegant, marked by freshness and gentle salinity
Napareuli wines favor purity over power, an aesthetic shaped by altitude and calcareous soils.
Production rules
According to PDO regulations set by Georgia's National Wine Agency:
- Grapes must originate exclusively from the Napareuli microzone
- Maximum yield: 8 tons per hectare
- Minimum alcohol: 12% for red wines, 11% for white wines
- Red wines must be aged for a minimum of two years, including at least one year in oak
- White wines typically mature for at least nine months before release
Food pairing
Napareuli's structure and freshness make it a versatile partner for both traditional and modern cuisine:
- Roast lamb, beef tenderloin, or venison
- Grilled eggplant, mushrooms, and herb-forward vegetable dishes
- Hard cheeses and traditional mtsvadi
- Vegetable terrines, fresh salads, and soft cheeses
Serve red at 16-17 °C and white at 11-12 °C
Summary
Napareuli PDO (ნაფარეული) captures the refined, mountain-influenced side of Kakheti. Its Saperavi offers linear structure and mineral depth, while its Rkatsiteli delivers freshness and restraint. Together, they form one of Georgia's most balanced and terroir-driven appellations - a cool, precise accent within the broader Kakhetian landscape.