RELATIONSHIPS
Reading the technical sheets for Tsinandali: Points of Comparison
Read geography, grape resources, and production processes separately.
White
Designated white varieties → juice clarification → full fermentation
Red
Saperavi → Destemming & Fermentation → MLF
This is a schematic diagram summarizing the main text. It does not represent production areas or quality rankings. Sources and reference materials
FIELD NOTE 01
Separate white and red
The registered specification confirmed in September 2026 includes both dry white and dry red. The white must have at least 85% Rkatsiteli and no more than 15% Kakhuri Mtsvane; the red is Saperavi only. While the typical image of the white is useful, it does not reflect the current full scope of the appellation. Grapes must be sourced from designated micro-zones.
FIELD NOTE 02
Follow the variations in the process
For whites, only free-run juice is fully fermented, with clarification before fermentation and fermentation kept below 20°C. For reds, grapes are destemmed and alcoholic fermentation proceeds without exceeding 30°C, followed by malolactic fermentation. Not only the grape varieties, but also the treatment of skins and acid differs, so it's easier to understand if process charts are made separately by color, even when bearing the same appellation.
FIELD NOTE 03
Maturation is not an absolute requirement for all wines.
The specifications also allow bottling without aging, but when aging does occur, a minimum of 6 months in wooden barrels is required. Remembering 'Tsinandali must always be barrel-aged' makes the conditions too broad. When reading materials, distinguish between requirements, conditions when selected, and individual producer practices, and note the confirmation date for any sections that differ from older information.
Cannot read. Bottling without aging is also permitted, and the maturation requirements are stated only as conditions for wood barrels, if aging occurs.
PAUSE & REFLECT
Check your understanding.
Can the note 'at least 6 months' be read as mandatory for all products?
Read the explanation ＋
Cannot read. Bottling without aging is also permitted, and the maturation requirements are stated only as conditions for wood barrels, if aging occurs.
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Rkatsiteli: The treatment of grape skins distinguishes white and amber styles →
Sources and reference materials
These are the reference materials for the main text. For details of production regulations, consult the current documents. For individual wine specifications, refer to materials for the relevant vintage.
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