Georgian wine PDO
Atenuri
3 min
Overview
Atenuri is the most celebrated PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) of Kartli, central Georgia, and one of the country's historic strongholds for sparkling and still white wines. Centered in the Ateni Gorge near the town of Gori, this appellation has been prized since the 19th century for its elegant, high-acid wines made from Chinuri (ჩინური) and Goruli Mtsvane (გორული მწვანე).
The name Atenuri comes from “Ateni,” an ancient settlement known for its medieval churches and steep limestone slopes that cradle the vineyards. The wines of Atenuri stand apart for their refinement, minerality, and tension - the cooler counterpart to the richer Kakhetian whites.
Geography & climate
The Atenuri PDO lies in the upper Mtkvari River Valley in Gori municipality, between 480 and 720 meters above sea level. The vineyards occupy the narrow limestone and sandstone terraces of the Ateni Gorge, where exposure and altitude create a unique microclimate.
The climate is moderately humid and cooler than Kakheti, with warm days, cold nights, and long ripening periods. These conditions preserve acidity and encourage aromatic development - ideal for the crisp, mineral style that defines Atenuri wines.
Authorized grape varieties
- ჩინური - minimum 85%
- გორული მწვანე - up to 15%
This blend unites Chinuri's high acidity and floral tones with Goruli Mtsvane's roundness and texture, resulting in harmony and finesse.
Wine styles & characteristics
- Color: pale straw to golden
- Aroma: green apple, pear, citrus blossom, and mineral hints
- Taste: light- to medium-bodied, crisp, and clean, with bright acidity and dry finish
- Alcohol: 11.5-13%
- Style: produced by both traditional and Charmat methods
Atenuri wines share one core characteristic - precision. They are lean, mineral, and built for freshness rather than power.
Taste profile
- Aromas: white flowers, lime, green apple, and herbs
- Palate: vivid acidity, delicate fruit, chalky minerality
- Finish: crisp, saline, and clean
Atenuri's hallmark is purity - a wine that feels carved from stone rather than grown from soil.
Production rules
According to PDO regulations by Georgia's National Wine Agency:
- Grapes must originate exclusively from the Ateni microzone
- Maximum yield: 9 tons/ha
- Permitted styles: dry still and traditional-method sparkling
- Alcohol: minimum 11% for still, 10.5% for sparkling
- Aging: minimum 9 months before release
Food pairing
Atenuri wines pari ideally with:
- Fresh seafood, oysters, grilled trout, or chicken with herbs
- Georgian dishes like pkhali, badrijani nigvzit, or salads with tarragon and nuts
- Aperitif or accompaniment to soft cheeses, caviar, or light starters
- Excellent with creamy soups or citrus-based dishes
Serve at 8-10 °C for sparkling and 10-12 °C for still.
Summary
Atenuri PDO (ათენური) is the crown jewel of Kartli, producing wines defined by altitude, limestone, and restraint. Whether still or sparkling, Atenuri expresses Georgia's cooler-climate identity - wines of energy, precision, and finesse. Subtle yet commanding, it stands as one of the country's purest interpretations of terroir-driven white winemaking.