Tibaani PDO
Key Georgian and Regional Terms
Eastern Kakheti's ancient qvevri heartland, producing Georgia's most archetypal amber wines from 100% Rkatsiteli at the foot of the Tsiv-Gombori Range.
Tibaani PDO is a Georgian Protected Designation of Origin in eastern Kakheti, registered December 10, 2007. The appellation produces dry amber wine from Rkatsiteli fermented with skins and stems in buried clay qvevri, the UNESCO-recognized traditional winemaking method of the region.
- PDO registered December 10, 2007, located near Tibaani village in eastern Kakheti
- Wines made from minimum 85% Rkatsiteli; up to 15% Kakhuri Mtsvane and Khikhvi permitted
- Fermented and aged on skins and stems in buried clay qvevri, a UNESCO-recognized method
- Vineyards sit at 300-600 meters elevation in Dedoplistskaro and Telavi municipalities
- Villages covered include Tibaani, Kvemo Machkhaani, Jugaani, and Dzveli Anagi
- Soils are alluvial clay-limestone with sand and gravel; black soil in the south; deluvial-proluvial soils in the north and west
- Considered the archetype of traditional Kakhetian amber winemaking
Location and Landscape
Tibaani PDO sits in eastern Kakheti, Georgia's most important wine region, near the village of Tibaani at the foot of the Tsiv-Gombori Range. Vineyards fall within Dedoplistskaro and Telavi municipalities, covering the villages of Tibaani, Kvemo Machkhaani, Jugaani, and Dzveli Anagi. Elevations range from 300 to 600 meters above sea level.
- Part of the broader Kakheti viticulture zone in eastern Georgia
- Situated at the foot of the Tsiv-Gombori Range
- Covers four villages across two municipalities
- Elevations of 300-600 meters moderate the warm continental climate
Climate and Soils
The climate is characterized by mild winters, hot summers, and moderate precipitation. Annual sunlight totals 2200-2300 hours, with 1500-1700 hours during the vegetation period. Average annual temperature is 12.4°C and annual precipitation averages 636mm. Soils vary across the zone: alluvial clay-limestone with patches of sand and gravel dominate the main areas, black soil covers the southern part, and deluvial-proluvial soils are found in the northern and western portions.
- 2200-2300 hours of annual sunlight support full grape ripeness
- Average annual temperature of 12.4°C
- Annual precipitation of 636mm
- Varied soils including clay-limestone, black soil, and deluvial-proluvial types
Grapes and Production Rules
Tibaani PDO wines are produced from a minimum of 85% Rkatsiteli, one of Georgia's most widely planted and ancient white varieties. Up to 15% of Kakhuri Mtsvane and Khikhvi may be blended in. All wines are fermented and aged with skins and stems in buried clay qvevri, producing deeply colored, tannic, full-bodied amber wines. This method has been practiced continuously in the region for centuries.
- Minimum 85% Rkatsiteli required; up to 15% Kakhuri Mtsvane and Khikhvi allowed
- Fermentation and aging on skins and stems in buried clay qvevri
- Produces dry amber wines with full body and firm tannins
- UNESCO-recognized qvevri method underpins all production
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Open Wine Lookup →History and Tradition
Tibaani is one of Georgia's most traditional PDOs and was officially registered on December 10, 2007. The appellation represents the archetype of Kakhetian amber winemaking, a style defined by extended skin contact in qvevri that predates modern winemaking by millennia. Georgia's qvevri winemaking tradition was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, and Tibaani stands as one of its most authentic expressions.
- PDO registration formalized December 10, 2007
- Centuries of uninterrupted qvevri winemaking tradition in the zone
- Recognized as the archetype of Kakhetian amber wine production
- UNESCO-inscribed qvevri tradition central to the appellation's identity
Deeply golden to amber in color with notable tannin structure for a white wine. Full-bodied, powerful, and complex with dried fruit, walnut, quince, and oxidative notes derived from extended skin and stem contact in qvevri. Long, grippy finish.
- Dugladze Tibaani$12-18Accessible entry point into Tibaani's amber style, made by one of the zone's established producers.Find →
- Pheasant's Tears Rkatsiteli Tibaani$25-35Benchmark Tibaani from Pheasant's Tears, showing classic qvevri texture and amber depth.Find →
- Flavor of Tibaani Vintage Traditions Rkatsiteli$30-45Estate-focused producer highlighting traditional Kakhetian qvevri fermentation in the PDO.Find →
- Zviad Gurashvili Tibaani Rkatsiteli$50-70Small-production artisan wine representing the most traditional expression of the appellation.Find →
- Tibaani PDO registered December 10, 2007; located in eastern Kakheti near the Tsiv-Gombori Range
- Minimum 85% Rkatsiteli; up to 15% Kakhuri Mtsvane and Khikhvi permitted
- All wine fermented and aged on skins and stems in buried clay qvevri; produces dry amber wine with tannin structure
- Vineyards at 300-600m elevation across Dedoplistskaro and Telavi municipalities
- Qvevri winemaking is UNESCO-inscribed Intangible Cultural Heritage; Tibaani is considered the archetype of this Kakhetian tradition