Grapes
Chinuri
3 min
Overview
Chinuri (ჩინური) is the defining white grape of Georgia's central region, Kartli. Its name likely comes from the Georgian word “chinebuli,” meaning “excellent” or “noble,” reflecting its long-standing reputation for finesse. Cultivated for centuries along the Mtkvari River basin, Chinuri remains central to both still and sparkling wine traditions.
With naturally high acidity, a subtle fruit profile, and clean structure, it is one of Georgia's most versatile and age-worthy white grapes, equally at home in qvevri and modern winemaking.
Characteristics
Chinuri ripens late, producing medium-sized clusters of green-gold berries that maintain freshness even in warm years. It thrives on Kartli's limestone and marl soils, where cooler conditions preserve its aromatic precision.
Moderately vigorous and adaptable, Chinuri is sensitive to spring frost due to late budding, but rewards careful vineyard management with wines of striking clarity, tension, and moderate alcohol.
Wine styles
Chinuri excels in central Georgian vineyards, offering wines of freshness, delicacy, and balance:
- Dry whites - lean, citrus-driven, mineral; the core Kartli style
- Sparkling wines - traditional or tank-fermented; naturally high acidity supports fine bubbles
- Amber / qvevri wines - structured, herbal, lightly tannic, and saline
- Blends - often paired with Goruli Mtsvane or Rkatsiteli to add perfume and weight
Taste profile
Chinuri wines emphasize clarity and linearity rather than power, making them gastronomically versatile:
- Aromas: green apple, pear, lime zest, white blossom, and faint almond
- Palate: light- to medium-bodied, bright acidity, mineral edge, crisp finish
- Amber versions: gentle tannin, herbal notes (sage, chamomile), and subtle salinity
Regions
Regions featuring Chinuri: Kartli.
PDO
Atenuri PDO is the hallmark of Chinuri, used for both dry and sparkling styles; it is often blended with Goruli Mtsvane.
Food pairing
Chinuri's acidity and mineral tension make it an excellent food wine:
- Shellfish, sushi, ceviche, and grilled fish
- Poultry or light pork dishes with citrus or herb sauces
- Salads, soft cheeses, and vegetable appetizers
- Amber/qvevri styles: white bean stew, walnut-based Georgian dishes, baked mushrooms
Winemaking notes
Qvevri fermentations yield structured amber wines with gentle oxidative notes. Modern stainless-steel vinification preserves purity and citrus brightness. Sparkling Chinuri benefits from naturally low pH and acid retention, enabling stable bubbles in both bottle-fermented and Charmat methods.
Its neutral yet precise aromatic profile makes it ideal for terroir expression and blending.
Key producers
Notable Kartli producers include Iago's Wine, Ori Marani, Château Mukhrani, and small artisan maranis around Gori and Kaspi.
Summary
Chinuri (ჩინური) embodies the restrained elegance of central Georgian whites - bright, mineral, and precise. Whether as a still dry wine, a qvevri amber, or a sparkling expression, it highlights Kartli's finesse and the subtlety of Georgian white winemaking.
