Tavkveri (Kartli)

Tavkveri is an aboriginal variety of Kartli red grape vine. For agricultural purposes, it is intended for making light red ordinary wines; At the same time it gives table grapes for local consumption. When Tavkveri originated or how it developed in the regions of Georgia has not been finally established. We must think that it, like a number of local vine varieties, originated through natural propagation in the interior of Georgia, and in the following period it underwent evolution and under the direct influence of man its better form was established mainly in different parts of eastern Georgia. This is evidenced, first of all, by the many forms of Tavkveri that we find in Kakheti and Kartli districts (Shavi Tavkveri, Tetri Tavkveri, Saperavi-like Tavkveri, Didmartsvala Tavkveri, Patelaanteuli Tavkveri, etc.); Also the pure Georgian name Tavkveri, and finally the botanical-biological features, which are characteristic for the aboriginal vine varieties of Eastern Georgia. With the latter features, it is a typical representative of Alazani Keri and belongs to the group of Kartli vine varieties.
Varietal and blended wines are characterized by a light body, moderate to moderate alcohol content, and slightly elevated total acidity. Very interesting dry red or rosé wines with wild rose and red fruit aromas are made from Tavkveri. Especially nice young wine.
The head is easily rubbed with powder. Also noteworthy is the negative impact of gray rot on the vine. Regionally widespread variety.

---

WINE GRAPES

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

Tavkveri

Georgian variety producing very small amounts of light, tangy reds.

PRINCIPAL SYNONYMS: Takweri, Tarkveri, Tavaveri, Tavkeri Kartalinsky, Tavkeri Kartlis, Tavkveri

ORIGINS AND PARENTAGE

Tavkveri is indigenous to the Kakheti and Kartli regions and central Georgia.

VITICULTURAL CHARACTERISTICS

Largish compact bunches of relatively large berries. Capricious at flowering and best planted next to Chinuri for pollination because the flowers are functionally female only. Late budding and ripening.

WHERE IT’S GROWN AND WHAT ITS WINE TASTES LIKE

Tavkveri produces light and very fresh, cherry-flavoured dry reds. It is planted in Georgia’s Kartli region, especially in moderately warm locations such as Gori and Tskhinvali, and Pheasant’s Tears produce a version fermented in traditional clay qvevri, Chateau Mukhrani a more European style rose. It is also found in Azerbaijan.

BY – Jancis Robinson, Julia Harding, Joze Vouillamoz.