At a glance

Producer

Pheasant's Tears

Region

Kakheti, Georgia

Grape variety

Chinuri

Wine type

White

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$25-$35

Tasting profile

Crisp and fresh with flavors of green apple, tart citrus, wild herbs, and subtle phenolic texture from skin contact.

Evolution: Will develop more complex, nutty, dried fruit and honeyed notes with time, tannins will soften.

At peak: Balanced minerality, rounded texture, and layered aromatic complexity.

Structure

Acidity

High, providing freshness and aging capability

Tannins

Light to moderate, typical of qvevri fermentation in skin contact whites

Alcohol

Approx. 12.5-13%

Aging potential

8-10 years, benefits from medium-term cellaring

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2024 to 2027

Optimal window

2023 to 2028

Current status

Approaching optimal drinking window

Current condition

Fresh and lively with vibrant acidity

This wine is made from native Chinuri grapes using traditional qvevri (clay vessel) fermentation, contributing to moderate tannic texture and high acidity that allow medium-term aging. The 2021 vintage was favorable in Kakheti, ensuring good phenolic ripeness and acid retention, projecting a peak drinking window starting 2-3 years after vintage.

Food pairing

Excellent with grilled or roasted white meats, Georgian traditional dishes (like khachapuri), roasted vegetables, and medium-intensity cheeses.

Serving

Serving temperature

10-12°C / 50-54°F

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 9/10

Use of qvevri clay vessels for natural fermentation, minimal intervention winemaking; dry farming; natural native yeasts; manual harvesting; minimal SO2 additions; recycled packaging with lightweight glass bottles

Pheasant's Tears is renowned for sustainable, natural winemaking rooted in ancestral Georgian traditions. The organic and biodynamic viticulture reduces chemical inputs and promotes ecosystem health. Employing traditional qvevri fermentation avoids energy-intensive processes. Packaging choices minimize environmental impact. Overall, this wine scores very high for sustainability relative to global standards.