Danieli Winery KISI semi-sweet white wine – 2024 – 0,75 l

Danieli Winery – Kisi White Wine

Danieli Winery was established in 2013 with a noble goal: to produce authentic Georgian wines using traditional methods. The estate is located in the picturesque northeastern part of the Kakheti region, overlooking the famous Alazani Valley. The vineyards are cultivated using ecological methods with a strong emphasis on sustainable practices. The owners—a Danish winemaker and his Georgian wife Eka—have brought two different worlds together for one shared dream: to show the world what Georgia can truly achieve in a glass.

The Kisi Variety

The Kisi variety represents one of the rarest and most fascinating chapters in Georgian winemaking. This ancient, autochthonous white grape originates from Kakheti and is at least several centuries old. Despite its exceptional potential for producing high-quality wines, it was replaced by higher-yielding varieties during the Soviet era and nearly faced extinction. Today, Kisi is making a well-deserved, triumphant comeback—and Danieli Winery is at the very forefront of its revival.

The winery cultivates exclusively traditional Georgian grape varieties on the southern slopes of the Akhmeta micro-zone. The terroir around the village of Argokhi is renowned for providing the perfect conditions specifically for the Kisi grape. The name “Argokhi” literally translates from Georgian as “the place where it doesn’t hail.” This viticultural area, adjacent to the Babaneuri Nature Reserve, is rightfully considered one of the best places in the world to grow this unique variety.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Light golden to straw with elegant greenish reflections.

• Aroma: A rich bouquet revealing ripe white peach, juicy pear, meadow honey, and white grapes, framed by delicate floral hints of chamomile and hawthorn.

• Taste: Rounded, medium-bodied structure with mild, well-balanced acidity. Pronounced aromatic expressions of apricot, ripe pear, white peach, and wildflowers are harmoniously complemented by the freshness of citrus peel.

• Finish: Long, lingering, and fruity, with a soft honey trail.

Naturally Sweet — No Added Sugar

The semi-sweet profile of this wine is not the result of technological intervention or added sugar. The Kisi variety can naturally reach a sugar content of up to 30%, making it ideal for the production of naturally semi-sweet wines. The grapes ripen slowly under the generous Georgian sun, accumulating natural sugars while maintaining crisp, fresh acidity. Fermentation is stopped naturally, ensuring that the pure, unadulterated sweetness straight from the vineyard is preserved in the bottle.

Food Pairings: What to Serve with Kisi Wine

The semi-sweet Kisi is a wine for those moments when you want to delight your taste buds with an approachable yet rich flavor profile. It pairs wonderfully with:

• Cheeses: Salty brynza, fresh sulguni, or aged sheep cheeses.

• Asian Cuisine: Thai curry, Vietnamese spring rolls, and dishes with spicy or sweet-and-sour sauces.

• Desserts: Fruit tarts, honey pastries, and oriental baklava.

• As an Aperitif: Perfect on its own for a warm summer afternoon or as a welcoming drink for guests.