Tsolikouri

---

WINE GRAPES

A complete guide to 1368 vine varieties, including their origins and flavours.

Tsolikouri

Versatile, widely planted Georgian variety

PRINCIPAL SYNONYMS: Melqos Tsolikouri, Obchuri Tsolikouri, Tsolikoouri

ORIGINS AND PARENTAGE

Tsolikouri comes from Kolkheti, western Georgian, like Tsitska and Usakhelouri.

VITICULTURAL CHARACTERISTICS

Medium – sized bunches of thin – skinned berries. Mid budding, late ripening.

WHERE IT’S GROWN AND WHAT ITS WINE TASTES LIKE

Tsolikouri is grown predominantly in the villages of Dimi, Baghdati, Sviri and Tvishi in Georgia. It is the sole variety responsible for the semi – sweet whites of the Tvishi appellation and, blended with Tsitska (and sometimes Krakhuna), adds fruit and body to the dry wines of the Sviri appellation. Dry Tsolikouri wines tend to be full – bodied and to have soft acidity and flavours of quince or pear. The variety also shows good potential for sparkling wine blends despite the moderate acidity. Teliani Valley make a good potential for sparkling wine blends despite the moderate acidity. Teliani Valley make a good varietal example. There was a total of 5787 ha (14300 acres) in Georgia in 2004, the vast majority in Imereti but also in Samegrelo and Racha – Lechkhumi.

BY – Jancis Robinson, Julia Harding, Joze Vouillamoz.