Traditsiuli Kisi
Traditsiuli Kisi is a Georgian amber wine made from the native Kisi grape, bottled at approximately 13% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Produced by the Traditsiuli winery under win emaker Giorgi Shekriladze, this expression bridges ancient qvevri winemaking traditions with modern cellar techniques, resulting in a textured, full-bodied white that reflects Georgia's status as one of the oldest winemaking cultures on earth. Quick Facts: ABV: ~13% | Origin: Kartli / Kakheti, Georgia | Varietal: Kisi (Indigenous Georgian) | Producer: Traditsiuli (Winemaker: Giorgi Shekriladze) Production & Heritage Traditsiuli operates from the Mtskheta-Mtianeti area in Kartli, drawing on Kisi grapes cultivated across Georgia's key viticultural zones of Kakheti, Kartli, and Imereti. The winery's approach to this bottling blends three distinct methods: fermentation in stainless steel for freshness, aging in traditional qvevri — the large, egg-shaped clay vessels buried underground that UNESCO has recognized as part of Georgia's Intangible Cultural Heritage — and refinement in French oak barrels. This layered production gives the wine a complexity that purely tank-fermented or purely qvevri-aged expressions rarely achieve on their own, marrying the oxidative depth of clay with the structural polish of oak. Tasting Notes Aroma: The nose opens with wildflowers and chamomile, shifting into ripe apricot, white peach, and a thread of citrus peel. Subtle honey and dried pear notes emerge as the wine breathes, suggesting the influence of qvevri contact. Taste: On the palate, the entry is medium-bodied with ripe pear and apricot leading the way. The mid-palate broadens into honeyed stone fruit, touches of baking spice, and a gentle tannic grip from extended skin contact — a hallmark of amber-style Georgian wines. Orange citrus and a faint nuttiness surface toward the peak. Finish: The finish is moderately long with a pleasantly dry, lightly textured quality. Lingering notes of dried chamomile, warm honey, and citrus pith close out the experience. How to Drink Traditsiuli Kisi Serve slightly below room temperature, around 14–16°C (57–61°F), in a wide-bowled glass to let the aromatics open fully. Amber wines like this benefit from a few minutes of air, so decanting briefly is worthwhile. For cocktail-curious drinkers, this Kisi works in a White Negroni, where its tannic structure and stone-fruit depth stand up to Suze and dry vermouth; in a Wine Spritz, combined with sparkling water and a twist of grapefruit for a lighter warm-weather serve; or in a Georgian Sangria, muddled with fresh peaches, apricots, and a splash of chacha for an authentic regional twist. Best For Introducing a natural wine enthusiast to traditional Georgian qvevri winemaking Pairing with a charcuterie or cheese-forward dinner party spread Gifting someone exploring amber and skin-contact wines for the first time Adding a conversation-starting bottle to a curated wine collection Frequently Asked Questions What does Traditsiuli Kisi taste like? Traditsiuli Kisi delivers ripe apricot, pear, and honey flavors with subtle spice and a lightly tannic, dry texture characteristic of Georgian amber wines made with extended skin contact in qvevri. How does Traditsiuli Kisi compare to Georgian Rkatsiteli? While Rkatsiteli tends toward higher acidity and more mineral, citrus-driven profiles, Kisi is generally softer and more aromatic, emphasizing stone fruit, floral notes, and honeyed richness. Both are frequently made in qvevri, but Kisi typically yields a rounder, more perfumed wine. Is Traditsiuli Kisi good for sipping on its own? Yes — the wine's medium body, layered aromatics, and balanced tannic grip from qvevri aging make it an engaging standalone sipper, especially when served at cellar temperature. Where is Traditsiuli Kisi made? Traditsiuli Kisi is produced by the Traditsiuli winery, located in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region of Kartli, Georgia, using Kisi grapes sourced from vineyards across Kakheti, Kartli, and Imereti. What foods pair well with Traditsiuli Kisi? Aged hard cheeses like Georgian Guda complement the wine's tannic structure. Roasted chicken with herbs matches its stone-fruit and floral notes. Walnut-stuffed eggplant (badrijani) echoes its subtle nuttiness. Grilled pork with tkemali (sour plum sauce) plays off the wine's acidity, and dried fruit and nut platters mirror its honeyed, amber character. What sizes does Traditsiuli Kisi come in? Traditsiuli Kisi is available in the standard 750ml bottle format. Is Traditsiuli Kisi worth the price? Traditsiuli Kisi positions as an accessible entry into authentic qvevri-aged Georgian wine, delivering a level of production complexity — combining clay, stainless steel, and French oak — that would command a notably higher price point from more widely exported producers. Why Traditsiuli Kisi? What distinguishes this wine is its three-stage production process: stainless steel fermentation preserves the Kisi grape's delicate floral aromatics, qvevri aging imparts the tannic depth and amber hue that define Georgia's 8,000-year winemaking tradition, and French oak refinement adds structural polish. Kisi itself is one of Georgia's rarer indigenous varieties, less widely planted than Rkatsiteli or Mtsvane, making any well-made single-varietal bottling inherently worth seeking out. Under winemaker Giorgi Shekriladze, Traditsiuli treats the grape as a vehicle for showcasing the intersection of ancient method and modern precision. For drinkers drawn to the amber wine movement or looking to explore Georgian wine beyond entry-level Rkatsiteli blends, this bottling provides a clear and compelling point of entry.