Sunday, June 8, 2008

Teliani Valley Tsinandali

The first two-story winery in recent Georgian history was built in Kakheti's Teliani valley in 1886; today, Teliani Valley PLC is heir to that tradition.

Teliani Valley describes their 2004 Tsinandali as a "white dry wine." Though not sweet, the wine lacks the crispness that most people associate with a dry white. To some palates this is a deficiency, but this simplicity of taste can also be seen as the wine's great virtue. When drinking this Tsinandali you are, quite simply, tasting grapes - 80% Rkatsiteli and 20% Mtsvane, harvested in late October - in a very balanced and smooth wine, with a gentle finish.

The makers suggest pairing this wine with white meats, vegetables or mushrooms, the last of which would work particularly well.

3 comments:

Paul said...

I rather enjoy this wine. It takes a little getting used to but it's quite nice.

Alan said...

I've been to the Teliani Valley Winery and absolutely loved it and this wine.

Brian said...

A blend of Rkatsiteli and Mtsvane. Medium lemon in colour, this shows citrus character as well as distinct tropical fruit, bananas and also pear on the fresh and appealing nose. The palate is overshadowed by a disturbing astringency but still has both floral and fruity character with high acidity and a medium plus, greasy structure. The use of oak is more apparent on the palate than the nose. If they source consistently from the same grower or this is their own estate vineyards' grape I believe it has true potential.
I like to drink wine with my Cuban cigars.I buy my Cigars Online.