Chinuri is an indigenous Georgian white grape variety renowned for its refreshing character and remarkable versatility. It typically yields wines with a pale straw hue and a delicate bouquet featuring notes of green apple, pear, citrus blossom, and subtle herbal undertones. On the palate, Chinuri wines are light to medium-bodied, displaying crisp acidity, lively citrus and orchard fruit flavours, and a clean, mineral-tinged finish. This grape excels in creating both still and sparkling wines, often vinified in the traditional qvevri (clay amphorae) method used in Georgia, enhancing its textural complexity and bringing out earthy nuances.
Chinuri thrives in the Kartli region of central Georgia, particularly around the villages near the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers, where the cool climate and limestone-rich soils contribute to the grape’s vibrant structure.
Typical wine styles include bright, youthful dry whites, occasionally with slight effervescence, as well as pet-nat and classical sparkling wines. These wines pair exceptionally with a variety of foods: fresh seafood, grilled river fish, poultry, soft goat cheeses, and traditional Georgian cuisine such as khachapuri or pkhali, where the wine’s acidity and subtle herbal notes elevate both delicate and flavourful dishes.