Georgian wine PDO
Napareuli
3 min
Overview
Napareuli is one of Kakheti's northernmost and most distinctive PDOs (Protected Designations of Origin), producing both dry red and dry white wines from classic Georgian varieties. The appellation is centered around the village of Napareuli, located in the Telavi municipality, at the foot of the southern slopes of the Caucasus Mountains.
Wines labeled Napareuli carry an identity of clarity and precision. The red is made from Saperavi, structured and mineral, while the white, from Rkatsiteli, is noted for freshness and subtle spice. Together, they represent the cool elegance of Kakheti's mountain-influenced terroir - a contrast to the richer, warmer valley styles further south.
Geography & climate
The Napareuli PDO occupies the left bank of the Alazani River, at 400-700 meters above sea level. The vineyards stretch along the foothills of the Greater Caucasus, receiving cold air currents from the mountains and intense sun exposure from the south.
Soils are light clay and sandy loam, interspersed with limestone and gravel, promoting drainage and encouraging slow, balanced ripening. The cooler microclimate results in wines with firm acidity, fine structure, and pronounced mineral tones.
Authorized grape varieties
- Rkatsiteli - 100%
- Saperavi - 100%
Both, Red and White Napareuli, must be produced exclusively from grapes grown within the Napareuli microzone.
Wine styles & characteristics
- Color: dark ruby to garnet or straw-yellow with green hue
- Aroma: black cherry, plum, forest berries, cedar
- Taste: full-bodied, structured, dry, with defined tannins and a mineral backbone
- Alcohol: typically 12-13.5%
- Aging: often aged in oak or qvevri for depth (red); typically stainless steel, sometimes partial oak or qvevri aging (white)
Both, red and hwite, expressions share a sense of focus - restrained, balanced, and clearly delineated.
Taste profile
- Red: structured, dry, complex, with dark fruit, fine tannins, and long mineral finish
- White: bright and precise, showing orchard fruit, citrus, and faint nut tones
- Finish: persistent and elegant, marked by freshness and subtle salinity
Napareuli wines emphasize purity over power - an aesthetic defined by the altitude and calcareous soils of northern Kakheti.
Production rules
According to PDO regulations by Georgia's National Wine Agency:
- Grapes must come solely from the Napareuli microzone
- Maximum yield: 8 tons/ha
- Alcohol minimum: 12% for red, 11% for white
- Reds must be aged for a minimum of 2 years, including 1 year in oak
- Whites typically mature for at least 9 months before release
Food pairing
Napareuli's structure and freshness make it an excellent companion to hearty yet refined dishes:
- Roast lamb, beef tenderloin, or venison
- Grilled eggplant and mushroom dishes
- Hard cheeses and traditional mtsvadi
- Vegetable terrines, salads, and soft cheeses
Serve red at 17 °C and white at 11-12 °C
Summary
Napareuli PDO (ნაფარეული) reflects the precision of Kakheti's northern terroir - cooler, stonier, and distinctly refined. Its red Saperavi shows linear power and mineral poise, while its white Rkatsiteli brings freshness and restraint. Together they form one of Georgia's most balanced and terroir-driven appellations - a mountain accent in the voice of Kakhetian wine.