Tbilvino
by
Kathy Sullivan
Summary: Tbilvino is one of George’s largest wineries. The winery produces international and qvevri wines and exports to 30 countries. The winery is continually seeking to improve the quality of their wines
A visit to Tbilvino requires an appointment and visitors will need to go through a security gate to gain entrance to the Tbilvino parking area. A tour begins in a large room with marble floors. This is followed by a view of the modern winemaking technology used to produce the wines. Tbilvino has a traditional tank room and barrel rooms. Tbilvino also produces qvevri wines.
History
Tbilvino started in 1962 and in the early 1960s most of the wine sales were to the Soviet Union. In the 1990s Tbilvino became an independent wine company. In 1999 as a result of wanting to improve the quality of wine they were producing, they began putting an emphasis on their vineyards. Unfortunately, Russia placed an embargo on Georgian wines in 2006. In 2008, Tbilvino was able to recover the loss due to the embargo by diversifying.
Today, Zura Margvelashvili is the winemaker and George Margvelashvili manages the export and finances of the company. Wines are exported to 30 countries. This year they will export 4,000,000 bottles of wine.
Grapes
The winery sources grapes from 500 grape growers. Throughout the season Tbilvino workers carefully monitor the vineyards. Grape varieties include Rkatsiteli, Kakhetian Mtsvane, Tsolikouri, Saperavi, Aleksandrouli, Ojaleshi and Mujuretuli.
Wines
Tbilvino has four trademarks, Tbilvino, Adati (means traditions), Georgian Valleys TM and Iveriuli TM. Iveriuli is an ancient name for Georgia. On a new line, one will notice on a wine bottle label “didebuli.” This is a connection to the Georgian alphabet. In the photo of a label, the first letter of saati has the "s" highlighted as well as the first letter of the word using the Georgian alphabet.
White Wines
Tsinandali 2011 Appellation Controlled is a blend of Rkatsiteli and Mtsvane. The wine was a light straw color with a floral aroma. The taste was of citrus including lime notes. The finish was crisp and citrusy. Suggested food pairings included light salads, catfish, and chicken with citrus dressing. Qvevris 2011 was produced with Rkatsiteli in a qvevri. The color was amber and the aroma was intense with floral notes. The taste also had floral nuances. The finish offered tannins, baking spices and floral notes.
Red Wines
Qvevoris 2012 was produced in a qvevri with 100 percent Saperavi. The color of the wine was a dark ruby with a light rim. The aroma and taste was spicy with dark fruit notes. The finish had bold tannins with spice yielding to fruit. The wine had a long aftertaste. Suggested food pairings include veal and barbeque. Mukuzani 2009 was from the Appellation Controlled area Mukuzani. This red wine was produced with 100 percent Saperavi. The dark ruby wine offered notes of leather with a hint of licorice and dark fruit. The taste was of leather with dark fruit. The wine finish had tannins, spice and fruit notes. Consider pairing this wine with sausage. Saperavi, Special Reserve 2011 was 100 percent Saperavi. This ruby wine offered notes of cherry and spice. The finish was fruit forward with tannins.
If planning to visit Tbilvino, be sure to contact the winery in advance. Enjoy traditional Georgian wines made in qvevri as well as European-styled wines.
Tbilvino
2, Sarajishvili Avenue
0153 Tbilisi, Georgia (Sakartvelo)
