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The Mtsvane Grape

A white grape variety indigenous to Georgia, the name means "green" in Georgian, referring to the bright green color of the fruit. Mtsvane produces aromatic wines with floral and fruit flavors, often with a mineral edge, and can be made in a variety of styles, including traditional Georgian amber wines when fermented with skins.

Mtsvane Grape History

Mtsvane, which translates to "green" in Georgian, is a white wine grape variety that has a long and rich history dating back to ancient times. This grape is native to Georgia, specifically the Kakheti region in eastern Georgia, and is one of the most widely planted grape varieties in the country. Mtsvane is also found in other wine-growing regions in Georgia, such as Imereti and Kartli.

Mtsvane is known for its high acidity, which makes it ideal for producing vibrant and refreshing wines. The grape is typically used to make dry white wines that are crisp and aromatic, with flavors of green apple, citrus, and minerality. In addition to dry white wines, Mtsvane is also used to produce traditional Georgian amber wines, where the grape skins are left in contact with the juice during fermentation, resulting in rich and complex wines with a deep amber color.

In terms of interesting facts, Mtsvane is often blended with other Georgian grape varieties, such as Rkatsiteli and Kisi, to create unique and expressive wines that showcase the diversity of Georgian winemaking. Additionally, Mtsvane is known for its versatility in winemaking, as it can be used to produce a wide range of wine styles, from light and crisp to full-bodied and complex.

In terms of where Mtsvane is grown, in addition to Georgia, this grape variety can also be found in small plantings in neighboring countries such as Armenia and Azerbaijan. Outside of the Caucasus region, Mtsvane is beginning to gain recognition in other wine-producing countries, such as Australia and the United States, where winemakers are experimenting with this grape to create new and exciting wines.

In terms of the projected future of Mtsvane, it is likely that this grape variety will continue to gain popularity both in its native Georgia and abroad. With the growing interest in traditional and indigenous grape varieties, Mtsvane is positioned to become a more widely recognized and appreciated grape variety in the global wine market. As consumers seek out unique and distinctive wines, Mtsvane's bright acidity and versatility in winemaking make it a grape variety to watch in the years to come.

Introduction

Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!

I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....

After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.

Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.

Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.

As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.

Cheers! - Franklin Laurel