Georgian wine PDO
Bolnisi
3 min
Overview
Bolnisi is one of Georgia's newest PDOs (Protected Designations of Origin), officially recognized in 2020, but its vineyards have an ancient lineage dating back to early German settlers in the 19th century and local Georgian winemaking traditions long before that. Located in southern Kartli, near the town of Bolnisi, this appellation is gaining attention for its modern, fruit-forward dry reds and structured rosés, primarily from Tavkveri (თავკვერი) and Saperavi (საფერავი).
Bolnisi represents a new chapter in Georgian viticulture - combining historical depth with contemporary precision. The wines are clean, expressive, and balanced, showing the potential of Kartli's volcanic and loess soils to produce reds with finesse rather than sheer power.
Geography & climate
The Bolnisi PDO lies in Kvemo Kartli, about 60 kilometers south of Tbilisi, at elevations of 400-650 meters above sea level. Vineyards are planted on rolling hills and river terraces along the Mashavera River basin, surrounded by the foothills of the Lesser Caucasus.
The soils are diverse - a mix of clay, loess, limestone, and volcanic tuff - yielding wines with mineral grip and subtle spice. The climate is mildly continental, with hot summers and cool nights moderated by breezes from nearby valleys. Lower humidity and abundant sunshine ensure clean, even ripening with concentrated aromatics and firm structure.
Authorized grape varieties
The appellation allows both single-varietal and blended wines, encouraging stylistic diversity while maintaining regional typicity.
Wine styles & characteristics
- Color: deep ruby to garnet
- Aroma: red cherry, pomegranate, plum, and light oak spice
- Taste: medium-bodied, balanced acidity, fine tannins, and persistent finish
- Alcohol: 12.5-14%
- Style: Crafted from Rkatsiteli and Chinuri in small volumes, often qvevri-fermented, showing mineral intensity and amber tones.
Bolnisi wines reflect the region's ancient winemaking roots - expressive, balanced, and marked by a distinct mineral freshness that highlights the volcanic soils of Kvemo Kartli.
Taste profile
- Aromas: ripe red fruit, cranberry, violet, and soft spice
- Palate: lively acidity, supple structure, moderate alcohol
- Finish: clean and dry, with subtle earthy minerality
Bolnisi wines sit stylistically between Kartli's elegance and Kakheti's power - structured yet restrained, ideal for modern drinkers.
Production rules
As defined by Georgia's National Wine Agency:
- Grapes must originate exclusively from the Bolnisi microzone
- Maximum yield: 9 tons/ha
- Permitted styles: dry red, rosé, and limited white
- Alcohol: minimum 11.5%
- Minimum maturation: 6 months before release
Food pairing
Bolnisi's medium-bodied texture and fruit freshness make it versatile:
- Grilled pork, chicken, or veal
- Mushroom dishes, roasted eggplant, or khachapuri
- Charcuterie, semi-hard cheeses, and light tomato-based sauces
- Herb-driven dishes like tarragon salad or lobiani
Serve reds at 16-17 °C and rosés at 10-12 °C.
Summary
Bolnisi PDO (ბოლნისი) represents the future of Kartli wine - youthful, precise, and confidently Georgian. Its Tavkveri- and Saperavi-based reds bridge tradition and innovation, expressing the promise of southern Kartli's soils with clarity and poise. In the evolving map of Georgian appellations, Bolnisi stands as a symbol of renewal - modern craftsmanship rooted in one of the world's oldest wine cultures.