Georgian cognac is one of the most famous in the post-Soviet space. The winemaking of this country is more than 3 thousand years old. During the spread of Christianity in Georgia, wines began to be considered cult drinks here. Therefore, even church ministers significantly contributed to the development of winemaking.
The industrial development of the cognac sector began in Georgia in the 60s of the 19th century. The famous philanthropist and industrialist Georgy Bolkvadze in 1865 opened a plant in Kutaisi, at that time the only one in Transcaucasia. The plant began to create a worthy alternative to the original cognac (a drink from the Cognac province). The climatic conditions of Georgia, excellent autochthonous grape varieties made it possible to create new, unique cognac varieties. The quality of the drinks produced here has been recognized by many international awards. Georgian cognac recognized by gourmets of the whole world.
20 years after Bolkvadze, the famous scientist and chemist David Sarajishvili opened the Central Alcohol Store in Tiflis, and after 3 years built his own cognac factory. Later, the same plants were erected in Baku, Yerevan and Bessarabia. Sarajishvili’s enterprise has taken a monopoly position in the “cognac” market. In 1913, its products became officially called "Georgian Cognac."
Grapes for the production of cognac spirit in Georgia are harvested in the following areas: Askana, Sachkhere, Amblorauli, Zestafoni, Tsageri, Vartsikhe (in the West); Ateni, Hidistavi, Tsinandali, Telavi, Alazani river valley and other places (in the East).
It is proved that Georgian cognac over time acquires oiliness and special fullness, develops a special, complex, whole bouquet. Georgian cognac spirits , which are aged in oak barrels, are very fragrant and harmonious.
Today, there are quite a few famous brands of Georgian cognac. In a wide range, 3 *, 4 * and 5 * grades occupy a special place (according to aging). According to the French classification, their correspondences are cognacs of category VS If we talk about the category VSOP, then it corresponds to vintage cognacs "Gelata", "Egrisi", "Armazi".
Georgian cognac Sarajishvili “OS” - special aging (the youngest alcohol blend - 12 years) - this is one of the oldest brands of Georgian cognac, created by the centenary of the reunification of Georgia and Russia. This drink is dark amber in color, with a deep golden sheen; the bouquet is very delicate and refined, with notes of resin and vanilla, a light tobacco and coffee aroma. Its taste is mild, with moderate extractivity and a variety of tones.
“Vartsikhe” is one of the most valued brands. This is Georgian cognac, the price of which cannot be low by default. It is based on alcohols no younger than 7 years old. The bouquet is complex, rich, with a touch of vanilla, coffee and soft astringency.
Eniseli is a brandy of high quality and exquisite in structure. Blending alcohols - older than 14 years of aging. It tastes oily, soft, moderately extractive.
Tbilisi is close in composition to Eniseli, but it contains older alcohols - at least 18 years old. Its color is more intense, and the bouquet is more complex, the taste is with a bright presence of tannins.