Georgian wine PDO
Salkhino Ojaleshi
3 min
Overview
Ojaleshi is one of western Georgia's most characterful PDOs (Protected Designations of Origin), producing naturally semi-sweet or dry red wines from the native Ojaleshi (ოჯალეში) grape. The appellation lies in the Samegrelo region, along the Enguri River valley, where humid sea air from the Black Sea meets the cool mountain winds of the Caucasus foothills.
This unique geography yields a wine unlike any other in Georgia - deeply colored, fragrant, and subtly sweet, combining the lushness of coastal air with the freshness of mountain altitude. Historically known as “the wine of Megrelian nobles,” Ojaleshi has long been prized for its perfumed bouquet and harmonious structure, making it one of the most admired reds of western Georgia.
Geography & climate
The Ojaleshi PDO is located in Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti, primarily around the villages of Salkhino, Orbeli, and Chkhorotsku, at elevations of 200-500 meters. The vineyards lie on south-facing slopes overlooking the Enguri and Tskhenistskali rivers, planted in clay and loamy soils with high organic matter and good drainage.
The climate is humid subtropical, moderated by mountain air currents - warm days and cool nights with abundant rainfall. These conditions produce grapes with high natural acidity and aromatic intensity, while extended hang-time promotes sugar accumulation for naturally semi-sweet wines.
Authorized grape varieties
- Ojaleshi - 100%
The grape is believed to have originated in Samegrelo and remains one of the most distinctive red varieties in Georgia, known for its violet perfume and vivid fruit expression.
Wine styles & characteristics
- Color: deep ruby with purple tones
- Aroma: blackberry, violet, spice, and forest berries
- Taste: medium-bodied, round, naturally semi-sweet, with crisp acidity and silky tannins
- Alcohol: 11-12%
- Aging: stainless steel or neutral oak to preserve fragrance
Ojaleshi displays the variety's hallmark perfume, soft tannins, and remarkable freshness, making it a bridge between mountain and maritime terroirs.
Taste profile
- Aromas: violet, dark cherry, pomegranate, clove, and wild herbs
- Palate: smooth and layered, with fruit sweetness offset by refreshing acidity
- Finish: long, floral, and slightly spicy
Ojaleshi is instantly recognizable by its violet-driven aroma and the seamless interplay of sweetness, freshness, and minerality.
Production rules
Defined by Georgia's National Wine Agency:
- Grapes must come exclusively from the Ojaleshi microzone in Samegrelo
- Maximum yield: 9 tons/ha
- Permitted styles: naturally semi-sweet and dry red
- Alcohol: 10.5-13.5%
- Minimum maturation: 6 months before bottling
Food pairing
Ojaleshi is ideal with:
- Pork with plum or pomegranate sauce
- Roasted duck, lamb, or grilled vegetables
- Aged sulguni or smoked cheese
- Chocolate desserts or berry compote
Serve semi-sweet styles slightly chilled (14-15 °C) and dry styles at 16-17 °C.
Summary
Ojaleshi PDO (ოჯალეში) embodies the dual soul of western Georgia - coastal lushness and mountain clarity. Its wines, whether dry or semi-sweet, radiate perfume, poise, and individuality. With violet fragrance, natural sweetness, and graceful acidity, Ojaleshi stands as one of Georgia's most romantic reds - a living link between the misty forests of Samegrelo and the ancient craft of winemaking that thrives there.