Bedoba Orange 2021: Georgian Qvevri Wine Reviewed

70% Rkatsiteli from 25-year-old vines on blue slate, with roots reaching eight metres deep. 30% Kisi on limestone at higher altitude. Fermentation in qvevri, the UNESCO-protected Georgian amphorae, combined with modern cellar precision. Bedoba Orange 2021 is what you get when 8,000 years of Georgian wine tradition is not imitated but seriously combined with contemporary hygiene.

The producer

Bedoba sits in Kakheti. The name means “day of happiness” in Georgian, a reference to the second day of the New Year. The estate combines qvevri aging with stainless steel where needed, with natural fermentation on indigenous yeasts and minimal intervention as the starting point.

The two vineyards

The Rkatsiteli provides the spine: 25-year-old vines on deep blue slate give concentration and weight. The Kisi from limestone on higher ground gives freshness. Late October harvest for the Rkatsiteli (full phenolic ripeness), earlier in the month for the Kisi to hold the acidity.

Tasting notes

Deep amber with golden highlights, crystal clear, medium viscosity. The nose is intense: dried apricot, wild honey, orange zest and a herbal accent reminiscent of Mediterranean garrigue.

On the palate dry, medium-plus body, 13% alcohol. Silky yet structured texture, fine-grained tannins from skin contact. Flavours mirror the nose with subtle oak notes and a mineral undertone. 5.0 g/L residual sugar, perfectly balanced by 5.2 g/L total acidity.

Serving

Pour at 16°C, not ice cold. Behaves more like a red than a white; can replace red wine where white would feel too light. Grilled aubergine with pomegranate molasses, roast quail with saffron rice, creamy goat cheese with local honey.

Verdict

Doesn’t ride the orange wine hype but delivers technically sound work. Drinks beautifully now, with cellar potential through at least 2026.

Sources

• National Wine Agency of Georgia: georgianwine.gov.ge