At a glance

Producer

Pheasant's Tears

Region

Kakheti, Georgia

Grape variety

Kisi

Wine type

Orange

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$30-$40

Tasting profile

Aromas of dried apricot, orange peel, wild herbs, honey, bouquet of floral and earthy notes, with a textured palate and slight tannic grip.

Evolution: Develops deeper complexity with tertiary notes of nuts, dried fruits, and smoky nuances over 5-7 years.

At peak: Balanced maturity with integrated tannins, silky texture and long savory finish.

Structure

Acidity

High, refreshing and balancing the wine’s structure

Tannins

Medium to firm, noticeable due to extended skin contact typical of Kisi orange wines

Alcohol

13-14%

Aging potential

10+ years given traditional Georgian qvevri winemaking and Kisi grape’s natural structure

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2026 to 2030

Optimal window

2023 to 2033

Current status

Drinking well with maturing tannins and complexity

Current condition

Youthful with firm tannins and vibrant acidity, showing classic Kisi orange wine character

Pheasant's Tears Kisi (2021) is a traditional Georgian orange wine known for its robust tannins and high acidity from extended skins maceration in qvevri (clay vessels). Given the high quality of the vintage and the structured Kisi grape, it will improve with careful cellaring for up to a decade, hitting prime drinkability from mid-decade onward.

Food pairing

Pairs excellently with rich Caucasian dishes, grilled meats, spiced lamb, aged cheeses, and hearty vegetarian fare like roasted root vegetables or mushroom stews.

Serving

Serving temperature

14-16°C / 57-61°F

Decant

Yes (30-60 minutes) — To allow tannins to soften and aromatic complexity to open up.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 9/10

Pheasant's Tears employs traditional dry farming with minimal intervention, supports biodiversity in vineyards, uses clay qvevri vessels for natural fermentation, adopts renewable energy where possible, and favors lightweight sustainable packaging.

Pheasant's Tears is highly regarded for its sustainable viticulture: organic certified vineyards, biodynamic practices, minimal processing, and reduction of chemical inputs. Their use of qvevri fermentation minimizes energy use. Their packaging and supply chain efforts further enhance their sustainable profile.