Lazmauri Tvishi
Lazmauri Tvishi is a semi-sweet Georgian white wine made from 100% Tsolikouri grapes, bottled at 11% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Produced exclusively within Georgia's Tvishi PD O — the country's only designated appellation for white semi-sweet wine — this expression stands apart through its terroir-driven natural sweetness, achieved entirely by halting fermentation through cooling rather than fortification or added sugar. Quick Facts: ABV: 11% | Origin: Tvishi, Racha-Lechkhumi, Georgia | Semi-Sweet White Wine | Producer: Ancient Valley (Lazmauri) Production & Heritage Lazmauri Tvishi is crafted by Ancient Valley at their facility in Dzirageuli, in Georgia's Racha region, under the direction of winemaker Luka Beshidze. Tsolikouri grapes — the only variety permitted under Tvishi PDO regulations — are hand-picked and softly de-stemmed before being cooled to 4–6°C and gently pressed in a pneumatic press. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at a controlled 15°C and is deliberately stopped by cooling the must, preserving the grapes' natural residual sugar and fresh fruit character without any artificial intervention. Tasting Notes Aroma: The nose opens with ripe pear and apricot, gradually revealing white plum, citrus peel, and a delicate layer of floral sweetness. Subtle herbal undertones add complexity beneath the dominant stone fruit. Taste: Entry is soft and gently sweet, immediately delivering honeysuckle and ripe apricot. The mid-palate broadens with ruby grapefruit juice and quince, while a clean thread of crisp acidity keeps the sweetness from cloying. The overall impression is harmonious and balanced, leaning toward fruit-forward elegance. Finish: Medium in length, finishing with lingering pear and a faint citrus brightness. The acidity carries through cleanly, leaving a refreshing aftertaste that invites the next sip. How to Drink Lazmauri Tvishi Serve well chilled, between 8–10°C, in a standard white wine glass to concentrate the floral aromatics. This wine is best appreciated on its own or alongside food, rather than in cocktails. A White Wine Spritzer works well, where the natural sweetness balances the added soda water and a citrus twist. A Georgian Sangria built with seasonal stone fruits echoes the wine's core flavor profile naturally. For a simple warm-weather serve, a Tvishi and Tonic — topped with premium tonic and a sprig of fresh mint — makes an approachable long drink that highlights the wine's honeysuckle notes. Best For Introducing friends to Georgian wine for the first time Pairing with a summer brunch or outdoor dining Gifting someone who enjoys off-dry whites like Riesling or Gewürztraminer Serving as a dessert course companion alongside fruit-based dishes Frequently Asked Questions What does Lazmauri Tvishi taste like? Lazmauri Tvishi delivers a gently sweet, fruit-forward profile dominated by ripe apricot, pear, and honeysuckle, balanced by crisp acidity that keeps the palate fresh. Citrus peel and quince add subtle complexity beneath the stone fruit core. How does Lazmauri Tvishi compare to off-dry Riesling? Both wines share a semi-sweet character balanced by fruit and acidity, but Lazmauri Tvishi tends to present softer acidity and more prominent stone fruit and floral notes compared to Riesling's typical petrol and green apple character. Riesling generally carries higher, more cutting acidity, while Tvishi leans toward a rounder, more harmonious mouthfeel. Is Lazmauri Tvishi good for beginners? Yes — its approachable sweetness, moderate 11% ABV, and clean fruit flavors make it an excellent starting point for anyone exploring Georgian wine or semi-sweet white wines in general. Where is Lazmauri Tvishi made? Lazmauri Tvishi is produced by Ancient Valley in the village of Dzirageuli, located in the Racha-Lechkhumi region of northwestern Georgia. The Tvishi appellation sits along the Rioni River valley, where microclimatic conditions create ideal growing conditions for Tsolikouri grapes. What foods pair well with Lazmauri Tvishi? Mildly spiced Thai or Vietnamese dishes work well, as the residual sugar tempers heat. Soft, creamy cheeses like brie complement the wine's gentle sweetness. Fresh stone fruit salads mirror the core flavor profile. Georgian churchkhela (walnut and grape confection) creates an authentic regional pairing. Lightly grilled white fish with citrus glaze echoes the wine's acidity and fruit notes. What sizes does Lazmauri Tvishi come in? Lazmauri Tvishi is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format. Is Lazmauri Tvishi worth the price? Lazmauri Tvishi positions as an entry-level to mid-range semi-sweet white wine, and it delivers strong value within that tier given its PDO-protected origin, single-varietal purity, and careful temperature-controlled production. Why Lazmauri Tvishi? Tvishi holds a singular distinction in Georgian winemaking: it is the only PDO in the country dedicated exclusively to white semi-sweet wine, and the appellation mandates 100% Tsolikouri grapes with no exceptions. The deliberate halting of fermentation through cooling — rather than fortification — preserves an authentic expression of the grape and its terroir along the Rioni River valley. Under winemaker Luka Beshidze, the Lazmauri bottling emphasizes precision and freshness through stainless steel vinification, resulting in a clean, modern take on a traditional Georgian style. For drinkers seeking something beyond the familiar Moscato or Riesling spectrum, this wine offers genuine regional character backed by protected designation of origin.