Georgian wine PDO
Teliani
3 min
Overview
Teliani is a well-established PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) in Kakheti, producing dry red wines made exclusively from Saperavi (საფერავი). The appellation is centered around the town of Telavi, the historic capital of Kakheti and one of the country's oldest winemaking centers.
Teliani wines combine the power of Saperavi with the smoothness that comes from the region's slightly cooler, higher-altitude vineyards. Compared to Mukuzani or Kvareli, Teliani's reds are less extracted, more polished, and often more fruit-forward - showcasing balance over brute force. They embody the elegance of Kakheti's central terroir and are frequently cited as a model of classical Georgian red wine.
Geography & climate
The Teliani PDO extends across the southern and western slopes of the Alazani Valley, at altitudes between 350 and 700 meters, within the Telavi municipality. Vineyards face southeast, catching ample sunlight while benefiting from cool mountain air descending from the Gombori Range.
The soils are predominantly light clay mixed with gravel and limestone, providing excellent drainage and mineral complexity. The climate is moderately humid continental - warm days and cool nights yield Saperavi grapes of excellent balance between sugar, acidity, and phenolic maturity.
Authorized grape varieties
- საფერავი - 100%
All Teliani wines must be made exclusively from Saperavi grown within the PDO boundaries.
Wine styles & characteristics
- Color: deep ruby with violet hues
- Aroma: ripe cherry, blackberry, violet, cedar, and soft spice
- Taste: medium- to full-bodied, dry, well-structured, with balanced acidity
- Alcohol: 12.5-14%
- Aging: often 1-2 years, sometimes with partial oak maturation
Teliani wines express Saperavi's trademark intensity but in a more refined, integrated form - structured yet approachable.
Taste profile
- Aromas: black cherry, plum, vanilla, and subtle herbal tones
- Palate: concentrated fruit core, fine-grained tannins, and lively acidity
- Finish: dry, long, and elegant with notes of dark chocolate and graphite
Teliani combines the depth of eastern Saperavi with the smooth, harmonious character that typifies central Kakheti.
Production rules
As outlined by Georgia's National Wine Agency:
- Grapes must originate exclusively from the Teliani microzone
- Maximum yield: 8 tons/ha
- Only dry red wines permitted
- Alcohol: minimum 12%
- Aging: typically 2 years, including at least 1 year in oak or qvevri
Food pairing
Teliani's balance makes it an excellent companion to a wide range of Georgian and international dishes:
- Grilled lamb, pork, or beef
- Mushroom or lentil stews
- Roasted vegetables and aged cheeses
- Khinkali, kharcho, and walnut-based sauces
Serve at 17-18 °C, decanted for 30 minutes to open aromatics.
Summary
Teliani PDO (თელიანი) expresses the classical balance of Kakhetian Saperavi - full yet poised, structured yet smooth. Combining the richness of Georgia's premier red grape with the elegance of Telavi's temperate slopes, it stands as a bridge between the intensity of Mukuzani and the refinement of modern Georgian red wine craftsmanship.