Grapes
Goruli Mtsvane
3 min
Overview
Goruli Mtsvane (გორული მწვანე) is an aromatic white grape native to Kartli, central Georgia. Its name means “green from Gori,” referring both to its color and its geographic origin near the historic city of Gori. Although less known internationally than its Kakhetian cousin Kakhuri Mtsvane, Goruli Mtsvane is integral to Kartli's winemaking identity - especially in dry, fresh, and sparkling styles that rely on precision and finesse rather than weight.
It is among the few Georgian grapes that consistently produce wines with vibrant acidity, subtle perfume, and a naturally elegant structure.
Characteristics
The variety buds early and ripens mid-season, forming small, compact clusters with thin-skinned green-gold berries. It prefers well-drained limestone or marl soils and moderate climates, thriving in the slopes and valleys of Shida Kartli and the Ateni gorge.
Goruli Mtsvane maintains high acidity even in warmer years, giving winemakers flexibility for both still and sparkling wines. The vines are moderately vigorous but sensitive to humidity - careful canopy management ensures optimal fruit quality.
Wine styles
Goruli Mtsvane wines are bright and aromatic expressions of Kartli - elegant, floral, and naturally balanced by vivid acidity:
- Dry whites - crisp, aromatic, floral; the most common and representative style
- Sparkling wines - used widely in Kartli's traditional-method sparkling production due to its high acidity and clean aromatics
- Amber / qvevri styles - rarer but increasingly explored for texture and depth
- Blends - often paired with Chinuri or Rkatsiteli to add perfume and lift
Taste profile
Goruli Mtsvane wines are bright and aromatic expressions of Kartli - elegant, floral, and naturally balanced by vivid acidity:
- Aromas: green apple, lime, gooseberry, fresh herbs, white peach, sometimes floral or grassy
- Palate: light- to medium-bodied, high acidity, crisp mineral finish
- Amber versions: dried citrus peel, tea, wildflower honey, and gentle tannic texture
Regions
Regions featuring Goruli Mtsvane: Kartli.
PDO
Atenuri PDO is the key appellation for Goruli Mtsvane; used in both dry and sparkling styles, often blended with Chinuri.
Food pairing
Thanks to its freshness and subtle aromatics, Goruli Mtsvane pairs naturally with:
- Seafood and shellfish
- Goat cheese, feta, and citrus-flavored salads
- Poultry, especially lemon- or herb-seasoned
- Vegetarian dishes with mint, basil, or dill
Winemaking notes
Modern Kartli producers typically ferment Goruli Mtsvane cool in stainless steel to preserve freshness. Traditional methods include fermentation in qvevri with minimal skin contact, yielding delicate amber hues and herbal undertones.
The grape's bright acidity makes it a natural base for traditional-method sparkling wines, where it delivers finesse and stability.
Key producers
Leading examples include Ori Marani, Iago's Wine, Château Mukhrani, and numerous small maranis in Shida Kartli experimenting with both still and sparkling expressions.
Summary
Goruli Mtsvane (გორული მწვანე) captures the quiet precision of Kartli winemaking - refined, mineral, and aromatic. Whether bottled as a still wine or crafted into elegant sparkling, it showcases Georgia's capacity for delicacy and modern balance within its ancient viticultural heritage.
