Askaneli Tsinandali

Askaneli Tsinandali is a 750ml, 13% ABV Georgian white wine from the Kakheti region, blending Rkatsiteli and Kakhuri Mtsvane grapes under the protected Tsinandali appellation. Produced by Askaneli Brothers, one of Georgia's prominent family-owned wineries, this bottling earned a Gold Medal at the Northern Capital tasting competition during the International Exhibition St. Petersburg Wine Fair.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13%  |  Origin: Kakheti, Georgia  |  Appellation: Tsinandali PDO  |  Winery: Askaneli Brothers

Production & Heritage

Askaneli Brothers operates in the Kakheti region of eastern Georgia, the country's most celebrated winemaking zone. The Tsinandali appellation—one of Georgia's oldest controlled designations—requires a blend dominated by Rkatsiteli grapes, and this expression uses 85% Rkatsiteli with 15% Kakhuri Mtsvane. Unlike many Georgian whites produced using the ancient qvevri method, Tsinandali wines follow European-style classical winemaking, with the wine undergoing oak cask aging that lends subtle complexity beyond what the fresh fruit alone provides. The extended maturation period refines the blend, softening acidity and introducing gentle almond and vanilla undertones that distinguish Tsinandali from unoaked Georgian whites.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Light straw-yellow in the glass, the nose opens with delicate floral notes and almond blossom before moving into green fruit and citrus territory. Lemon zest and white peach emerge with time, giving the bouquet a lifted, inviting quality.

Taste: The entry is fresh and citrus-driven, with lemon and grapefruit leading the way. At mid-palate, the wine broadens with ripe peach and a whisper of tropical fruit, while the oak influence manifests as a gentle roundness rather than overt woodiness. Refreshing acidity runs throughout, keeping the profile balanced and lively.

Finish: Clean and moderate in length, the finish leaves lingering impressions of citrus pith and a faint mineral edge. There is no bitterness or heaviness—just a crisp, dry close that invites another sip.

How to Drink Askaneli Tsinandali

Serve chilled to around 10–12°C (50–54°F) to let the citrus and floral aromatics fully express themselves. This wine drinks well on its own as an aperitif but also holds up alongside food. A White Wine Spritzer works naturally here, as the bright acidity and citrus profile stay intact with a splash of soda. For a Georgian-inspired Kakheti Sangria, the peach and tropical notes complement sliced stone fruit and fresh herbs beautifully. It also performs in a classic Hugo Spritz, where the floral character pairs with elderflower liqueur and mint.

Best For

• Exploring Georgian wine beyond qvevri-style amber wines
• Summer dining with grilled seafood or herb-forward salads
• Gifting someone curious about Eastern European winemaking traditions
• Hosting a comparative tasting of Tsinandali PDO wines from different producers

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Askaneli Tsinandali taste like? It delivers fresh citrus notes of lemon and grapefruit alongside ripe peach and subtle floral character, supported by a light roundness from oak aging and a clean, dry finish.

How does Askaneli Tsinandali compare to other Tsinandali producers like Alazani or Kartveli? All Tsinandali PDO wines share the same core blend of Rkatsiteli and Mtsvane from Kakheti, but winemaking decisions around oak duration and harvest timing create differences. Askaneli Brothers tends toward a fruit-forward, approachable style, making it a solid entry point for the appellation.

Is Askaneli Tsinandali good for sipping on its own? Yes—its balanced acidity, moderate 13% ABV, and clean fruit profile make it a refreshing standalone sipper, particularly when served well chilled in warmer months.

Where is Askaneli Tsinandali made? It is produced by Askaneli Brothers in the Kakheti region of eastern Georgia, the heartland of Georgian winemaking and home to the historic Tsinandali appellation.

What foods pair well with Askaneli Tsinandali? Grilled white fish benefits from the wine's bright acidity and citrus notes. Chicken with tarragon or other herb-forward poultry dishes complement the floral aromatics. Fresh goat cheese echoes the wine's clean, tangy character. Georgian dishes like badrijani (walnut-stuffed eggplant) match the wine's regional identity. Light pasta with lemon and olive oil mirrors the citrus-driven palate.

What sizes does Askaneli Tsinandali come in? The standard format is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available size for this wine.

Is Askaneli Tsinandali worth the price? Askaneli Tsinandali positions as an accessible, everyday white wine within the Georgian category, delivering genuine appellation character and oak-aged complexity at a price point that competes favorably with comparable European whites.

Why Askaneli Tsinandali?

Tsinandali holds a unique place in Georgian wine: it was one of the first appellations to adopt European-style vinification in a country famous for its 8,000-year-old qvevri tradition. The Askaneli Brothers bottling faithfully represents that lineage, combining indigenous Rkatsiteli and Kakhuri Mtsvane grapes with controlled oak maturation that adds dimension without masking varietal identity. Its Gold Medal at the Northern Capital tasting competition underscores a consistent quality standard. For anyone looking to understand what Georgian white wine can achieve outside of the amber wine category, this is a clear and well-priced starting point.