Grapes
Tavkveri
3 min
Overview
Tavkveri (თავკვერი) is a versatile red grape native to Kartli, central Georgia, and one of the country's most adaptable varieties. The name translates roughly to “hammerhead” - a reference to the grape's distinctive, flattened berry shape. Once grown across much of eastern Georgia, Tavkveri remains especially important in the regions surrounding Gori, Kaspi, and Bolnisi, where it produces bright, fruit-driven wines with supple tannins and lively acidity.
Tavkveri's approachability, aromatic lift, and versatility make it a favorite among both traditional winemakers and modern producers crafting lighter, accessible reds and rosés.
Characteristics
Tavkveri is a vigorous, high-yielding variety that requires careful vineyard management to maintain concentration. The berries are large, thin-skinned, and high in juice, with naturally moderate sugar and acidity. It performs best on well-drained loamy or limestone soils under moderate heat and abundant sunshine - the typical conditions of Kartli's valleys and foothills.
The grape's relatively low tannin content and expressive fruit make it ideal for early-drinking styles, though skilled winemakers can coax more complexity through qvevri or oak maturation.
Wine styles
Tavkveri's range spans from crisp, chillable reds to layered qvevri interpretations, depending on vineyard site and technique:
- Dry reds - soft, aromatic, and medium-bodied, with red fruit and spice
- Rosés - among Georgia's most elegant; vivid, floral, and refreshing
- Sparkling wines - used in Kartli's traditional-method sparkling blends for color and aroma
- Amber / qvevri reds - rarer, more structured, showing earthy and herbal depth
Taste profile
Tavkveri wines are bright and expressive, showing lively fruit and gentle spice - approachable yet capable of depth and elegance:
- Aromas: pomegranate, sour cherry, raspberry, rose petal, and clove
- Palate: medium-bodied, juicy, with lively acidity, fine tannins, and a lightly spiced finish
- Rosé styles: fresh strawberry, cranberry, and orange blossom
Regions
PDO
While Tavkveri is not tied to a specific PDO, it is widely used across Kartli and Bolnisi PDO, often in blends or as single-varietal reds and rosés that highlight the region's modern, fruit-forward style.
Food pairing
Tavkveri's supple acidity and moderate body pair easily with both Georgian and modern cuisine:
- Grilled chicken, pork, or veal
- Tomato-based stews and pastas
- Roasted vegetables, mushrooms, or lentil dishes
- Rosé styles: seafood, salads, or light cheeses
Winemaking notes
For dry reds, Tavkveri is typically fermented with limited maceration to retain freshness. Its soft tannin structure allows gentle extraction and early bottling. Rosés benefit from direct pressing or short skin contact, resulting in vivid salmon or cherry hues. Qvevri fermentations yield rustic, herbal complexity, while modern stainless-steel methods preserve bright fruit and purity.
Because of its natural approachability, Tavkveri rarely needs heavy oak - neutral or amphora aging enhances its subtle spice and floral tones.
Key producers
Excellent examples come from Ori Marani, Château Mukhrani, Natenadze's Wine Cellar, and smaller maranis around Gori and Bolnisi, including family producers focused on natural and sparkling expressions.
Summary
Tavkveri (თავკვერი) is Kartli's spirited red - lively, expressive, and unpretentious. Its combination of freshness, fruit, and finesse makes it one of Georgia's most adaptable grapes, equally at home in still, rosé, or sparkling form. In many ways, Tavkveri represents the modern face of Georgian red wine: authentic, joyful, and rooted in centuries-old tradition.
