Enek Peterson, "Queen of the Night" 2019

Region: Imereti

Moving east from the Kolkheti Lowlands of Samegrelo, we cross over into Imereti, a central region of Georgia famous for its gorges, mulberries, and of course wine production. Bordered to the south by the Meskheti Mountain range, Imereti is criss-crossed by some of Georgia’s most important rivers – including the Rioni – and their tributaries, making the region topographically up and down, one comprised of river valleys which, as we know, happen to be the places grapevines love to make their homes. There are loads of varieties that thrive in this remarkably diverse region, among them the red grapes Aladasturi (cited as some of the best ruby/pink wine when drunk young) and late-ripening Otskhanuri-Sapere. The white varieties range from Krakhuna (tr.: “crisp”) and Tsolikouri to Tsitska, a gem of a grape best known for its inclusion in the otherwise rare Georgian sparkling wine. Makaridze Marani and Freya’s Marani (Enek Peterson) are both top-top producers we love and they both hail from Imereti.

Hand-picked and foot-crushed Tsolikouri and Krakhuna grapes, made in qvevri with no skin contact.

Winemaker Enek Peterson is an American ex-pat living in Georgia. She also manages Tbilisi's iconic wine bar, Vino Underground.