The Georgia Grand Tasting at Ascent Lounge in Columbus Circle hosted in September 2024, it was a first-time experience for the wine industry in New York. The Ascent Lounge, with its sweeping views of Central Park, provided a sophisticated backdrop for exploring Georgian wines. Even though I have been tasting Georgian Wines in the comfort of my home and at some restaurants in the city, the Grand Tasting was an opportunity to delve deeper into the world of Saperavi and Rkatsiteli, expanding my knowledge of these unique varietals.
Many importers and distributors showcased their selection of Wines of Georgia. I discovered natural expressions of Rkatsiteli that, at the right temperature, reminded me that we are looking for these wine styles more often, particularly when the temperatures are still above average due to the changing climate conditions and lifestyle changes.
The event’s highlight was undoubtedly the Saperavi Masterclass led by Jamal Rayyis. Jamal, a prominent figure in the wine world known for his expertise in Georgian wines (and founding the Georgian Wine House in 2016), guided us through a fascinating tasting of various Saperavi expressions. His insights were invaluable, and his passion for Georgian wine was contagious.
One wine that particularly captivated me was a Rosé Pétillant Naturel. Its vibrant fruit character and refreshing effervescence, unique to Georgian wines, were simply delightful. It was a perfect example of the diversity and quality that Georgian winemaking has to offer.
This tasting reinforced my belief that Georgian wines are incredibly underrated. With their rich history, unique grape varietals, and diverse styles, they deserve much wider recognition. However, the collective effort of awareness of Wines of Georgia wine has seen significant growth in the value of US exports over the last several years, increasing 6% in 2023, according to Wines of Georgia, the organization that represents and promotes the wines and wineries of the country of Georgia, and the National Wine Agency of Georgia, the legal entity of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia that finances the US program as it was stipulated in Wine Business Advisor earlier this 2024.
Due to the hard work of these organizations, I can’t help but think that perhaps “Amber Season” should become synonymous with fall, just as we associate rosé with summer. The amber hues of many Georgian wines perfectly capture the essence of autumn.
Events like the Georgia Grand Tasting play a pivotal role in unveiling the splendor of Georgian wines to a broader audience. With each passing moment, I’m increasingly confident that Georgian wines are on the cusp of a well-deserved renaissance. It’s not just an “amber” ascendance – it’s a revolution that’s already underway.
Saperavi is an alternative to Traditional Big Bold Reds
Wines of Georgia are revolutionary!
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