At a glance

Producer

Pheasant's Tears

Region

Georgia

Grape variety

Tavkveri

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$25-$30

Tasting profile

Fresh red fruits (cherry, raspberry), herbal notes, savory leafiness, slight earthy minerality

Evolution: Fruit will soften with time, tertiary leather, forest floor and tobacco notes develop

At peak: Complex layered fruit and earth with smooth tannins and fresh acidity

Structure

Acidity

Medium-high, bright and refreshing

Tannins

Medium to medium-high, slightly rustic typical of Tavkveri

Alcohol

12.5%

Aging potential

7-10 years with good cellaring

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2024 to 2030

Optimal window

2023 to 2028

Current status

Early maturity, approachable now with some tannic grip

Current condition

Fresh, with primary red fruit aromatics and savory earthiness

The wine’s medium tannins and acidity allow it to develop secondary and tertiary complexity over 7-10 years. The strong structure from Tavkveri grape ensures it does not prematurely fade and gains nuanced earthy and leathery notes with age.

Food pairing

Pairs well with grilled meats, lamb dishes, hearty stews, roasted root vegetables, and aged cheeses. Traditional Georgian cuisine such as Satsivi or Khinkali complements it nicely.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (30 minutes to 1 hour) — To allow tannins to soften and aromas to open

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Minimal intervention winemaking, use of qvevri fermentation underground, dry farming, natural yeast fermentations, hand harvesting, limited use of sulfur, recycled glass bottles

Pheasant's Tears is recognized for sustainable viticulture rooted in traditional Georgian qvevri winemaking. Their organic certification and biodynamic farming practices minimize synthetic inputs; dry farming conserves water, and use of natural yeasts supports ecological balance. Packaging is simple and eco-conscious. The local production and estate logistics reduce energy use, but export shipping adds to footprint. Overall, scoring 8/10 reflects strong environmental stewardship with some unavoidable carbon costs from export.