Regions
Kartli - Georgia's central terroir of finesse
2 min
Key facts
- Located around and west of Tbilisi, Kartli is Georgia's geographic core
- Climate is cooler compared to Kakheti; more continental influences
- Soils: limestone, marl, clay - contributing to minerality and structure
- Vineyard altitudes: typically 300-700 m
- Noted PDO: Atenuri (dry whites and rosés)
Landscape & climate
Kartli sits at Georgia's heart, with rolling foothills around its river valleys and uplands that transition toward the Greater Caucasus.
The region experiences a blend of continental and mild influences - winters are cold, summers warm, but temperature variation and slope exposure matter more than in flatter zones.
Rainfall is moderate; the region benefits from drainage and slope variation that mitigate excess moisture. Limestone and marl subsoils contribute to good drainage and impart tension and minerality to wines.
These conditions favor grapes that retain acidity and expressive aromatics. The cooler sites, especially at higher elevations or on northern slopes, produce more elegant wines.
Grape varieties & styles
White varieties dominate here: გორული მწვანე, რქაწითელი, თავკვერი.
Wine styles found here:
- Dry whites - crisp, terroir-driven, mineral, light to medium body
- Sparkling wines - traditional and tank methods, benefiting from high acidity
- Rosé / light reds - lighter color reds or rosés from Tavkveri or Saperavi, where permitted
- Experimental / skin contact whites - some producers apply qvevri techniques here, especially in boutique cellars
PDOs & appellations
Atenuri is the main PDO associated with Kartli. Its rules emphasize the style of dry whites (and sometimes rosés) with defined grape composition, maximum yields, and chemical parameters.
Tasting & character
Wines from Kartli tend to show:
- Dry whites: fresh citrus, green apple, white flowers, stone fruit, light mineral or chalky notes, moderate body, clean finish
- Sparkling / semi-sparkling styles: crisp, lively bubbles, zippy acidity, restraint
- Rosés / light reds: red fruit notes, lower tannin, subtle spice, delicate structure
- Skin contact whites (when made): more texture, tea or herbal notes, mild tannin, deeper color
These wines excel when paired with lighter fare, seafood, white meats, or spicy vegetable dishes.
Wine tourism & cellars
Kartli has become a zone of experimentation. Proximity to Tbilisi gives access to markets, research, and technical support. Some producers balance qvevri tradition with modern stainless steel or barrel techniques.
The mix of terroirs and microclimates encourages innovation: small lots, single-site bottlings, trial clones, sparkling whites.
Because of its subtle profile, wines here attract connoisseurs seeking structure without heaviness.
