5 Refreshing Georgian Wine Styles to Enjoy This Summer

As the height of summer rolls in, our thoughts turn to warm evenings, al fresco dinners, and long, languid afternoons spent under the sun. And what better way to elevate those summer moments than with a glass of Georgian wine? Georgia - often called the cradle of viniculture - boasts a heritage of winemaking stretching back nearly 8,000 years, offering an extraordinary palette of styles that are perfect for the warmer months. From crisp whites to delicate rosés, spritzy sparkling to intriguing amber wines, Georgian wine has something to quench every summer thirst.

We explore five of the most refreshing Georgian wine styles, delve into their histories and characteristics, and share expert food-pairing tips to help you make the most of each bottle. Whether you’re planning a relaxed barbecue with friends, a chic garden party, or simply savouring a quiet sunset, these Georgian wines will bring a touch of ancient tradition and modern elegance to your summer celebrations.

1. Crisp Whites: Rkatsiteli & Tsolikouri for Summer’s Heat

The Appeal of Georgian White Wines

In summer, nothing refreshes quite like a chilled white wine. Georgia’s indigenous white varieties - particularly Rkatsiteli and Tsolikouri - excel at balancing bright acidity with aromatic fruit notes, making them ideal for hot afternoons and light meals.

Rkatsiteli: The Classic Georgian White

• Origins & Profile: Rkatsiteli is one of the world’s oldest cultivated grape varieties, renowned for its high acidity and pronounced minerality. In its youthful state, Rkatsiteli offers zesty lemon, green apple and a hint of almond.

• Summer Pairings: Serve ice-cold Rkatsiteli (8–10 °C) alongside a simple Greek-style salad of cucumber, tomato, red onion and feta. The wine’s acidity cuts through the olive oil dressing beautifully. It also pairs superbly with lightly spiced prawns, whether pan-fried or grilled.

Tsolikouri: Floral, Fruit-Forward & Light

• Origins & Profile: Predominantly grown in western Georgia, Tsolikouri produces light, perfumed wines with notes of peach, pear and spring blossom.

• Summer Pairings: Enjoy chilled Tsolikouri with soft goat’s cheese on sourdough toast, or alongside a plate of melon and prosciutto. The wine’s gentle fruitiness complements the melon’s sweetness while cutting through the saltiness of the cured ham.

2. Rosé Magic: Saperavi Rosé for Pink-Tinted Evenings

Why Rosé Works for Summer

Rosé has become synonymous with summer sipping, offering the refreshing qualities of white wine with the fruit-driven character of reds. Georgian winemakers have embraced this style, often using the robust Saperavi grape to craft elegantly structured rosés.

Saperavi Rosé: Pale Pomegranate Perfection

• Winemaking & Profile: Produced by a short skin contact in stainless steel, Saperavi Rosé pours a pale pomegranate hue. Aromas of ripe red berries and strawberry jam lead to a lively, well-balanced palate.

• Summer Pairings: Sip at 8–10 °C with a Niçoise salad featuring seared tuna, olives and boiled eggs. Alternatively, enjoy alongside grilled peach halves drizzled with honey and a sprinkle of mint for a sweet-savory contrast.

3. Spritzy Sparklings: Georgian Bubbly for Celebrations

Sparkling Traditions in Georgia

While Georgia is best known for its still wines, sparkling productions have steadily gained acclaim. Using traditional methods or modern Charmat techniques, Georgian sparklings bring festive bubbles and crisp fruit flavours to any summer gathering.

Georgian Brut & Semi-Sweet Bubbles

• Profile: Sparkling Georgian wines often present delicate apple, pear and brioche notes, with fine bubbles and a refreshing finish. Semi-sweet variants balance a touch of residual sugar with zippy acidity.

• Summer Pairings: Perfect for toasts at garden parties. Pair Brut sparkling wine with light canapés—think smoked salmon blinis or mini cucumber sandwiches. A semi-sweet sparkling is delightful with fresh strawberries or a fruity pavlova.

4. Amber Adventures: Rkatsiteli Qvevri for Textural Depth

What Are Amber Wines?

Amber (or “orange”) wines are white wines made with extended skin contact, often fermented and aged in traditional qvevri (clay vessels). This technique imparts tannin structure, deeper colour and complex savoury-fruit aromas.

Rkatsiteli Qvevri: Summer’s Intriguing Twist

• Winemaking & Profile: With days or weeks of maceration on the skins, Rkatsiteli Qvevri wine takes on a golden-amber hue. Expect textured tannins, dried apricot, walnut and gentle spice.

• Summer Pairings: At 12–14 °C, this wine shines with grilled vegetable kebabs, halloumi skewers and richly spiced salads (think coriander, cumin and fresh herbs). Its savoury edge complements charred veg and creamy cheeses.

5. Light Reds: Gaglioppo & Traditional Saperavi for Cooler Evenings

Why Reds Matter in Summer

While whites and rosés dominate, a lightly chilled red can be the perfect foil for summer barbecues and tomato-based dishes. Georgian Saperavi and lesser-known local reds offer moderate tannins and fresh fruit notes.

Slightly Chilled Saperavi

• Profile: A classic Saperavi, served at 14–16 °C, retains its structure while showcasing ripe plum, black cherry and pepper.

• Summer Pairings: Enjoy with lamb kofta, beef sliders or chargrilled eggplant stacks layered with tomato and basil. The wine’s bold fruit and tannins harmonise with juicy red meats and smoky vegetables.

The Under-the-Radar Gaglioppo

• Profile: Though Italian by name, some Georgian winemakers have begun experimenting with similar light-skinned red varieties, creating easy-drinking wines with bright red berry character.

• Summer Pairings: Perfect with pizza margherita, tomato-and-mozzarella stacks or roasted red pepper dips. Serve lightly chilled at 12–14 °C for best refreshment.

Putting It All Together: A Sample July Menu

• Starter: Melon & prosciutto skewers → Tsolikouri

• Main: Honey-chipotle chicken wings → Kindzmarauli (semi-sweet red)

• Sides: Grilled courgette & halloumi skewers → Rkatsiteli Qvevri

• Salad: Niçoise salad with seared tuna → Saperavi Rosé

• Dessert: Fruit tart with seasonal berries → Semi-sweet sparkling

Embrace Georgian Wine This July

From crisp whites that cool the palate to textured amber wines that intrigue the senses, Georgian wine offers an unparalleled summer sipping experience. This July, explore these five styles at your next BBQ, picnic or sunset soirée and discover why Georgia has been celebrated as the birthplace of wine for millennia.

Ready to taste for yourself? Browse our Georgian wine collection or join the GeoNaturals Wine Club for curated seasonal selections delivered monthly, complete with tasting notes and pairing suggestions. Cheers to a summer of great food, fine wine and unforgettable memories!