Chinuri

Chinuri is a white grape associated with Kartli in central Georgia. Its fresh acidity makes it useful for still wines and sparkling expressions, giving a different reference point from assuming all Georgian white wine must be a richly tannic amber wine. It can appear alone or with other local grapes, including Goruli Mtsvane.

The handling of the skins is an essential part of the style. A pale wine pressed away from them and a qvevri wine with extended contact can have very different textures, even if both finish dry. Sparkling production introduces another purpose, where the same underlying freshness is used to balance bubbles and any subsequent maturation.

For a pale dry example, start with fish, vegetables or a light meal. A more structured amber bottle can handle poultry, walnuts and richer dishes, and benefits from a little less chilling. Read the method before judging the grape from a single experience: qvevri describes a vessel and tradition, not one unavoidable taste for every Georgian white.