Georgian wine PDO
Teliani
3 min
Overview
Teliani is a well-established Protected Designation of Origin in Kakheti, producing dry red wines made exclusively from Saperavi (საფერავი). The appellation is centered around Telavi - the historic capital of Kakheti and one of Georgia's oldest and most influential wine centers.
Teliani wines combine Saperavi's natural depth with an elegance shaped by slightly cooler, higher-altitude vineyards. Compared to Mukuzani or Kvareli, Teliani reds are typically less extracted and more polished, with a fruit-forward profile and refined structure. They are often cited as a classical expression of Kakhetian balance - powerful, but never heavy.
Geography & climate
The Teliani PDO extends across the southern and western slopes of the Alazani Valley within the Telavi municipality, at elevations ranging from 350 to 700 meters above sea level. Vineyards are generally southeast-facing, ensuring generous sunlight while benefiting from cooling air flows from the Gombori Range.
Soils are primarily light clay mixed with gravel and limestone, offering good drainage and mineral complexity. The climate is moderately humid continental, with warm days and cool nights that support steady ripening and balanced phenolic development in Saperavi.
Authorized grape varieties
- Saperavi - 100%
All Teliani wines must be produced exclusively from Saperavi grown within the defined PDO boundaries.
Wine styles & characteristics
- Color: deep ruby with violet reflections
- Aroma: ripe cherry, blackberry, violet, cedar, and gentle spice
- Taste: medium- to full-bodied, dry, structured, with balanced acidity
- Alcohol: typically 12.5-14%
- Aging: commonly 1-2 years, often with partial oak maturation
Teliani expresses Saperavi's intensity in a more integrated and approachable form - structured, expressive, and harmonious.
Taste profile
- Aromas: black cherry, plum, vanilla, and subtle herbal notes
- Palate: concentrated fruit core, fine-grained tannins, and lively acidity
- Finish: long, dry, and elegant, with hints of dark chocolate and graphite
The hallmark of Teliani is balance - depth without excess, structure without austerity.
Production rules
According to regulations set by Georgia's National Wine Agency:
- Grapes must originate exclusively from the Teliani microzone
- Maximum yield: 8 tons per hectare
- Only dry red wines are permitted
- Minimum alcohol: 12%
- Typical aging: around 2 years, often including time in oak or qvevri
Food pairing
Teliani's balance and structure make it highly versatile at the table:
- Grilled lamb, pork, or beef
- Mushroom or lentil stews
- Roasted vegetables and aged cheeses
- Khinkali, kharcho, and walnut-based Georgian sauces
Serve at 17-18 °C and decant for about 30 minutes to fully open its aromatics.
Summary
Teliani PDO (თელიანი) represents the classical equilibrium of Kakhetian Saperavi - full-bodied yet poised, structured yet smooth. Rooted in Telavi's historic vineyards, it bridges the power of eastern Kakheti with refinement and drinkability, standing as a benchmark for balanced Georgian red wine.