Georgian Rosé for Hot British Summer
14 July 2026
The perception of rosé has been changing towards more serious and worth drinking year-round, but admit it: it's still THE kind of wine you want to guzzle while floating on your inflatable flamingo.
Summer is the ultimate rosé season. While Provence and pink Spanish blends still dominate supermarket shelves, Georgian rosé deserves a place in your ice bucket too.
Generally, Georgia is best known for reds and amber wines, but a growing number of producers are making fresh, food-friendly rosés that combine bright fruit with lively acidity (and what else do you want from rosé?). Most are made from indigenous Georgian grapes and offer something familiar enough for a sunny afternoon, yet distinctive enough to make wine lovers say “Huh, never had it before!"
Better still, they're becoming easier to find in the UK.
What should you know about Georgian rosé?
Most of them are made from Saperavi, one of the world's few teinturier grape varieties. Unlike most red grapes, Saperavi has both dark skins and pink flesh, meaning even a short period of skin contact creates beautifully vibrant pink wines. Depending on the winemaking style, expect anything from pale salmon to vivid raspberry hues.
Another native variety worth discovering is Tavkveri. Naturally lighter in colour and tannin than Saperavi, it produces elegant rosés with crunchy red fruit and refreshing acidity.
Georgian wine law allows blending of white and red grapes, and one of historic styles is Khidistauri (Chinuri or Goruli Mtsvane fermented on the skins of Tavkveri or Shavkapito — the grapes must come from Khidistavi village). In the Imereti region, white grapes were macerated on Otskhanuri Sapere skins to create dark rosé or something like claret style.
There is also an interesting Western Georgian pink grape called Chkhaveri, which can become white, amber, rose or red wine depending on ripeness and maceration time!
Let's see what's available in the UK this summer!
Giuaani Saperavi Rosé
A proper summer all-rounder. Made from 100% Saperavi, it bursts with ripe strawberries, red berries and a hint of strawberry jam, balanced by lively acidity and a clean, refreshing finish. Just chill it and bring on grilled fish, salads or a picnic.
Buy it here: https://georgian-wine.co.uk/products/giuaani-saperavi-rose
Shumi Saperavi Rosé 2023
A juicy, fruit-forward rosé that proves Saperavi isn't only about bold reds. Expect floral aromas, peach, strawberry and raspberry with bright citrus freshness. It's off-dry, making it brilliant with spicy food, barbecue or simply on its own on a warm evening.
Buy it here: https://www.tasteofgeorgia.co.uk/georgian-wine-shop#!/Shumi-Saperavi-Ros%C3%A9-2023-Georgian-Off-Dry/p/376860012
Château Mukhrani Tavkveri Rosé
Fancy trying something beyond Saperavi? This elegant rosé is made from Georgia's native Tavkveri grape, bringing crunchy red berries, delicate floral notes and mouth-watering acidity. Light, fresh and incredibly food-friendly, it's made for seafood, charcuterie and lazy summer lunches.
Mildiani Premium Saperavi Rosé 2021
Ripe strawberries meet tropical fruit and blossom in this semi-dry rosé from Kakheti. The gentle sweetness is beautifully balanced by fresh acidity, making it an easy crowd-pleaser with soft cheeses, fruit-based desserts or simply as an aperitif.
Buy it here: https://wineorigins.co.uk/product/mildiani-saperavi-premium-rose-2021/
Ori Marani "Revoir un Printemps" Rosé 2023
Natural wine with a delicate touch. Fresh red berries, wild herbs and bright acidity come together in a rosé that's textured, vibrant and full of character. If you're already a fan of skin-contact wines, this bottle shows a lighter, more playful side of Georgian winemaking.
This line-up showcases several different styles: dry, off-dry, natural and even a Tavkveri rosé, showing that Georgian rosé is far more diverse than "pink Saperavi.”
