Georgian wine PDO
Salkhino Ojaleshi
3 min
Overview
Ojaleshi is one of western Georgia's most distinctive Protected Designations of Origin, producing red wines from the indigenous Ojaleshi (ოჯალეში) grape in both dry and naturally semi-sweet styles. The PDO is located in the Samegrelo region, where humid air from the Black Sea meets cooler currents descending from the Caucasus foothills.
This interplay of warmth and freshness gives Ojaleshi its recognizable profile: deeply colored, highly aromatic, and balanced by lively acidity. Historically associated with the nobility of Samegrelo, Ojaleshi has long been valued for its violet-scented bouquet and graceful structure, making it one of western Georgia's most expressive red wines.
Geography & climate
The Ojaleshi PDO is situated in Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti, centered around the villages of Salkhino, Orbeli, and parts of the Chkhorotsku area. Vineyards lie at elevations between 200 and 500 meters, often on south-facing slopes overlooking the Enguri and Tskhenistskali river valleys.
Soils are predominantly clay and loam with high organic content, offering good water retention and drainage. The humid subtropical climate brings warm days, cool nights, and ample rainfall, supporting long ripening periods that preserve acidity while allowing sugars to accumulate naturally.
Authorized grape varieties
- Ojaleshi - 100%
Ojaleshi is native to Samegrelo and is best known for its intense violet aroma, vivid fruit character, and naturally high acidity.
Wine styles & characteristics
- Color: deep ruby to purple
- Aroma: blackberry, violet, forest berries, and subtle spice
- Taste: medium-bodied, either dry or naturally semi-sweet, with fresh acidity and soft tannins
- Alcohol: typically 11-12%
- Aging: stainless steel or neutral oak to retain aromatic clarity
Ojaleshi wines highlight fragrance and freshness, with sweetness-when present-remaining integrated and balanced.
Taste profile
- Aromas: violet, dark cherry, pomegranate, and gentle herbal notes
- Palate: smooth and layered, combining ripe fruit with refreshing acidity
- Finish: long, floral, and lightly spiced
The variety's signature violet aroma and bright acidity make Ojaleshi instantly recognizable among Georgian red wines.
Production rules
According to regulations set by Georgia's National Wine Agency:
- Grapes must originate exclusively from the Ojaleshi microzone in Samegrelo
- Maximum yield: 9 tons per hectare
- Permitted styles: dry red and naturally semi-sweet red
- Alcohol range: 10.5-13.5%
- Minimum maturation period: 6 months before bottling
Food pairing
Ojaleshi pairs well with a wide range of dishes:
- Pork with plum or pomegranate-based sauces
- Roasted duck, lamb, or grilled vegetables
- Aged sulguni and lightly smoked cheeses
- Chocolate desserts or berry-based sweets
Serve semi-sweet styles slightly chilled (14-15 °C) and dry styles at 16-17 °C.
Summary
Ojaleshi PDO (ოჯალეში) captures the character of western Georgia, where humid coastal influence meets mountain freshness. Whether made dry or naturally semi-sweet, Ojaleshi wines are defined by floral aroma, bright acidity, and elegant structure. Distinctive yet balanced, Ojaleshi remains one of Georgia's most expressive regional reds and a clear reflection of Samegrelo's unique terroir.