Overview
Samegrelo, also known as Mingrelia, occupies the Kolkheti lowland between the Black Sea and the western foothills of the Caucasus. The climate is humid subtropical with mild winters and warm, moist summers; the best vineyard sites are in the foothills, where drier eastern winds and better drainage reduce humidity. Historically, vines were trained up trees in the maghlari system, and harvest could run from November into January.
Ojaleshi is the region's star, producing fragrant semi-sweet reds, especially from the Salkhino PDO, while Tsolikouri and Chvitiluri add white and pink options. The revival of Samegrelo's wine culture is being led by a small number of artisan producers using traditional qvevri and modern techniques. Soils are diverse, including chalky limestone, marl, alluvial deposits, and carbonaceous foothill soils.
Key Varietals
- OjaleshiSamegrelo's most famous grape, giving fragrant semi-sweet reds with bright acidity and red-berry charm.
- TsolikouriA thick-skinned white variety that handles humidity and yields fresh, mineral wines here.
- ChvitiluriA historic Samegrelo grape used for aromatic, lightly colored red and pink wines.
- KrakhunaA white grape brought from Imereti that adds body and stone-fruit depth to local blends.