The Journal · July 20, 2026

Georgian wines: Saperavi, Kindzmarauli, Tsinandali — a beginner’s guide

Georgia has made wine for 8,000 years. Powerful Saperavi, semi-sweet Kindzmarauli, white Tsinandali: a starter guide — and where to taste them in Nice.

Georgian wines: Saperavi, Kindzmarauli, Tsinandali — a beginner’s guide

Georgia is the world’s oldest wine country: wine has been made there for 8,000 years, often in qvevri, the large buried clay jars inscribed by UNESCO.

Saperavi — the red with character

The king grape of Kakheti, almost black in the glass: dark fruit, spice, generous tannins. Perfect with beef Stroganoff or Armenian charcuterie.

Kindzmarauli — the legendary semi-sweet

A naturally semi-sweet, velvety red of ripe cherry. Wonderful with Slavic desserts — medovik first of all — and a surprise pairing with borscht.

Tsinandali — the chiselled white

A dry, lively, floral white blend from Kakheti. The ally of zakuski, salmon koulibiac and — for the curious — caviar.

Where to taste them in Nice?

At Roi Alexandre: all three are on the list, from €7 a glass and €35 a bottle — a rarity on the Riviera. See the wine list.

Frequently asked questions

Where to drink Georgian wine in Nice?

At Roi Alexandre restaurant, 38 Rue de France: Saperavi, Kindzmarauli and Tsinandali, from €7 a glass, €35 a bottle.

Is Kindzmarauli a sweet wine?

It is a naturally semi-sweet red: the sweetness comes from very ripe grapes, with no added sugar.

What to pair Saperavi with?

Braised and grilled meats: beef Stroganoff, golubtsy, Armenian charcuterie.

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