Vazisubani
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A storied Kakhetian PDO nestled between the Tsiv-Gombori Range and the Alazani River, producing elegant dry whites from Rkatsiteli and Kakhuri Mtsvane.
Vazisubani is a Georgian PDO within Kakheti, covering 62 square kilometers along the middle stream of the Alazani River. The appellation produces dry white wines from Rkatsiteli and Kakhuri Mtsvane, as well as amber and red wines. Its wines are known for a delicate, harmonious character with meadow flower tones and a fruit bouquet that develops with age.
- PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) within the Kakheti region of Georgia
- Covers 62 square kilometers at elevations up to 750 m above sea level
- Located between the Shroma and Tsiliani gorges, bordered by the Tsiv-Gombori Range and the Alazani channel
- Key grapes: Rkatsiteli, Kakhuri Mtsvane, Saperavi, Khikhvi, and Kisi
- Minimum alcohol content for Vazisubani wines is 11%
- Over 2,180 hours of annual sunshine with a moderately humid climate featuring hot summers and mild winters
- The Vazisubani Estate was originally established in 1891 and restored beginning in 2013
Location and Terroir
Vazisubani sits on the trails of the Tsiv-Gombori Range in eastern Georgia, positioned along the middle stream of the Alazani River. The appellation lies between the Shroma and Tsiliani gorges, with the Tsiv-Gombori Range to the southwest and the Alazani channel to the northwest. Elevations reach up to 750 meters above sea level.
- Soils include brown forest soils, brown meadow soils, and alluvial types with varying skeletal structure
- Annual direct solar radiation of 70 to 75 kcal/cm2; total annual solar radiation of 120 to 130 kcal/cm2
- Over 2,180 hours of annual sunshine, with 1,610 hours falling within the vegetation period
- Climate is moderately humid with hot summers, mild winters, and double annual precipitation
History
The Vazisubani estate was founded in 1891 by Sulkhan Chavchavadze. The Chavchavadze family was murdered during the Soviet invasion of 1921 and the estate was destroyed. Under Soviet occupation, the land became part of the Research Institute of Viticulture and Winemaking, and formal wine production at Vazisubani began in 1978, developed by specialists of Samtresti. Restoration of the estate commenced in 2013 under Lado Uzunashvili, Mamuka Khazaradze, and Badri Japaridze. Thirty-five hectares of vineyards were restored and a boutique hotel was constructed on the grounds.
- Estate founded in 1891 by Sulkhan Chavchavadze
- Destroyed during the Soviet invasion of 1921
- Wine production formally began in 1978 under Soviet-era research institute management
- Restoration began in 2013 with 35 hectares of vineyards brought back into production
Wines and Grapes
Vazisubani PDO produces dry white wines from Rkatsiteli and Kakhuri Mtsvane as its signature styles, alongside amber wines and red wines. The appellation also cultivates Saperavi, Khikhvi, and Kisi. Production requires complete alcoholic fermentation of gravity grape juice, and wines must reach a minimum alcohol content of 11%. Vazisubani whites are characterized by a delicate, soft, and harmonious taste with meadow flower tones and a fruit bouquet that deepens with aging.
- Primary white varieties: Rkatsiteli and Kakhuri Mtsvane
- Also produces amber wines and red wines from Saperavi, Khikhvi, and Kisi
- Production rule: complete alcoholic fermentation of gravity grape juice
- Wines develop a more complex fruit bouquet with age
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The sole notable producer in the appellation is Vazisubani Estate, the historic property restored from 2013 onward. The restoration brought 35 hectares of vineyards back into production and added a boutique hotel, positioning the estate as both a winemaking and wine tourism destination within Kakheti.
- Vazisubani Estate is the appellation's primary and best-known producer
- 35 hectares of vineyards restored as part of the 2013 revival
- Boutique hotel built on estate grounds supporting wine tourism
- Situated within Georgia's most important wine region, Kakheti
Vazisubani white wines show a delicate, soft, and harmonious palate with meadow flower aromatics and a fruit bouquet that becomes more expressive with age. The style is dry with a minimum of 11% alcohol.
- Vazisubani Estate Rkatsiteli$20-35The estate's flagship white from the PDO's primary variety, showcasing Vazisubani's signature meadow flower and fruit character.Find →
- Vazisubani Estate Kakhuri Mtsvane$20-35A dry white from one of the appellation's two authorized primary varieties, grown on Tsiv-Gombori Range foothills.Find →
- Vazisubani Estate Amber Wine$50-70Represents the appellation's amber style, produced at the restored historic estate in Kakheti.Find →
- Vazisubani holds PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) status within the Kakheti region of Georgia
- The appellation covers 62 sq km at up to 750 m elevation between the Tsiv-Gombori Range and the Alazani River
- Primary varieties are Rkatsiteli and Kakhuri Mtsvane for dry whites; Saperavi, Khikhvi, and Kisi are also grown
- Production rules require complete alcoholic fermentation of gravity grape juice and a minimum 11% alcohol
- Formal wine production began in 1978; the estate dates to 1891 and was restored from 2013