“Sazano’s Otskhanuri” Added to the List of Georgian Wines Registered with Protected Designation of Origin

The number of wines registered with a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) in Georgia has increased to 33, highlighting the diversity of Georgian wine and contributing significantly to its promotion and export potential. The information was released by the National Wine Agency.

The application for registering the geographical indication “Sazano’s Otskhanuri” was submitted to the National Intellectual Property Center of Georgia, Sakpatenti, by Imereti Wine Association LLC. The National Wine Agency participated in the preparation of the wine’s production specification and other technical procedures through the program “Development of the Georgian Wine Appellations System and Support for the Protection of Georgian Wine Indications.”

“Sazano’s Otskhanuri” is a dry red wine. The microzone includes villages of Terjola Municipality: Zeda Sazano, Skande, Mujireti, Chikhori, Deltas Ubani, Shimshilakedi; and villages of Zestafoni Municipality: Kveda Sazano, Tqlapivake, and Shimshilakedi.
The microzone is located at 120–420 meters above sea level.

The wine “Sazano’s Otskhanuri” may be produced only from the Otskhanuri Sapere grape variety grown within the Sazano microzone. The use of other grape varieties is not permitted, though the addition of up to 5% Saperavi, grown within the same microzone, is allowed.

“Sazano’s Otskhanuri” is produced through full fermentation on the pomace, either in qvevri (clay vessels) or stainless steel tanks.

Imereti ranks first in Western Georgia by vineyard area. Wines from the region are made from grapes grown on mountain slopes and terraces and are distinguished by their high quality. These wines are generally moderately strong, characterized by delicacy, fullness, and distinctive aromas.

In Imereti, three PDO wines are registered: Sviri, Obcha, and Sazano’s Otskhanuri.

Georgia’s registered Protected Designation of Origin wines are:
Kindzmarauli, Manavi, Kakheti, Napareuli, Teliani, Mukuzani, Tsinandali, Akhasheni, Gurjaani, Khvanchkara, Ateni, Sviri, Vazisubani, Kardenakhi, Tibaani, Tvishi, Kvareli, Kotekhi, Khashmi Saperavi, Bolnisi, Salhino Ojaleshi, Akhmeta, Tsarapi, Akhoebi, Maghraani Kisi, Okureshi Usakhelouri, Zegaani, Asuretuli Shala, Okami, Obcha, Lechkhumi, Racha, and Sazano’s Otskhanuri.