Teliani
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Teliani is a distinguished wine produced in the Teliani micro-zone, located in the Kakheti region of Georgia. This area is situated on the northeastern slopes of the Tsiv-Gombori Range, within the coordinates of 41°54' North latitude and 45°35' East longitude. The Teliani micro-zone is bordered by the villages of Tsinandali and Kondoli to the northwest and the Alazani River to the northeast. Notably, Teliani is the only Georgian PDO solely focused on a foreign grape variety, Cabernet Sauvignon.
History
The Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) for Teliani was officially registered on October 12, 2007. The winemaking tradition in Teliani dates back to the late 19th century when Cabernet Sauvignon was first introduced to Georgia. This grape variety has demonstrated exceptional qualities in the Teliani terroir, leading to its widespread cultivation and acclaim.
Viticulture
Vineyards in the Teliani micro-zone are located at elevations between 350 and 600 meters above sea level. The soils are diverse, including meadow brown (old alluvial) and alluvial soils, which are ideal for viticulture. The primary grape variety used for Teliani wine is Cabernet Sauvignon, and the use of other grape varieties is prohibited. The vineyards must adhere to specific regulations regarding grape maturity, vineyard cultivation, and winemaking processes to ensure the high quality of the wine.
Tasting Notes
Teliani wines are characterized by a dark ruby color. They offer a full, extractive, velvety, and harmonious taste with a distinctive varietal aroma characteristic of the geographic area. As the wine ages, it develops a pronounced bouquet with fruit tones.
Interesting Facts
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Modern Georgian winemaking has seen a growing trend of blending the prominent Georgian red variety, Saperavi, with Cabernet Sauvignon.