Tsolikouri | |
---|---|
Grape (Vitis) | |
Color of berry skin | White |
Notable regions | Imereti district, Georgia |
Notable wines | Tsolikauri, Kolkheti, Lelo, Tvishi[1] |
VIVC number | 12710 |
Tsolikouri (Georgian: ცოლიკოური) is a light yellow-skinned white grape variety grown mainly in western Imereti district of Georgia.[2] It cultivated in Kolkhida Lowland at an altitude of 160 m (520 ft) above sea level.[3]
Out of 400 different types of grapes in the country, Tsolikouri is among the most widespread varieties.[4] Nearly 90% of vineyards in western Georgia grow Tsolikauri. This sort usually matures by mid October.[5] Grown in Orzhonikidze vineyards during Soviet rule of Georgia, Tsolikouri was considered one of high-quality grapes along with Chkhaveri and Izabella varieties.[6] It has been used for production of premium dry, semi-sweet and semi-dry wines.[2] Tsolikauri, Kolkheti, Lelo, Tvishi wines are made from Tsolikouri grapes.[1][7] According to former Soviet statesman Vyacheslav Molotov, Tsolikouri was one of favorite wines of Soviet leader, Joseph Stalin.[8]