Everything About Kisi Grape
"kee-see" 
Kisi Description
Origin: Kakheti region, Georgia
History: Kisi is a native Georgian white grape variety primarily grown in the Kakheti region. By the early 2000s, it was nearly extinct due to factors like susceptibility to diseases and lower yields compared to other varieties. However, its potential for producing high-quality wines has led to a revival in recent years, with increasing plantings and recognition in both traditional qvevri and European winemaking styles.
Appearance: Medium-sized clusters of greenish-yellow grapes with thin skins.
Growing Traits: Kisi is a late-budding variety, relatively resistant to frost, drought, and downy mildew. It ripens before Rkatsiteli, typically in the last two weeks of September. The grape's sugar content can reach up to 30%, making it suitable for producing naturally semi-sweet wines.
Food Pairing Kisi's versatility allows it to pair well with a variety of dishes. European-style Kisi wines, with their crisp acidity and floral notes, complement salads, seafood, and cheeses. Traditional qvevri-fermented Kisi, exhibiting richer flavors and fuller body, pairs excellently with grilled meats, creamy sauces, and spicy dishes, enhancing the dining experience.
Body
Sweetness
Tannin
Acidity
Alcohol
Medium-bodied with a harmonious structure, offering depth and complexity. Typically dry, emphasizing its rich fruit character. Negligible tannins in European-style wines; however, traditional qvevri-fermented versions may exhibit mild tannic presence due to extended skin contact. Moderate to high acidity, providing freshness and balance to the wine. Moderate alcohol content, generally around 12-13%, ensuring balance and drinkability.
Pear 
Citrus 
Green Tea 
Apricot 
Mango Kisi wines produced in the European style are straw-colored with floral aromas and flavors of pear, citrus, and green tea on the palate. Amber qvevri wines reveal more apricot, mango, lime, orange, and walnut characteristics, offering a complex and layered tasting experience.
Regions
![[object Object] Region](/regions/georgia.png)
Georgia
•Kakheti
Notable Wines and Producers
Pheasant's Tears Kisi
•Pheasant's Tears Winery
Teliani Valley 'Glekhuri' Kisi Qvevri
•Teliani Valley
Shumi Winery 'Iberiuli' Kisi
•Shumi Winery
Kisi FAQ
Kakheti region, Georgia
Kisi has a body level of 3 out of 5. Which means that Kisi is Moderate bodied.
Kisi has a dryness level of 1 out of 5. Which means that Kisi is Dry.
Kakheti region, Georgia
Kisi is grown in Georgia (Kakheti).
Kisi wines produced in the European style are straw-colored with floral aromas and flavors of pear, citrus, and green tea on the palate. Amber qvevri wines reveal more apricot, mango, lime, orange, and walnut characteristics, offering a complex and layered tasting experience.
Kisi's versatility allows it to pair well with a variety of dishes. European-style Kisi wines, with their crisp acidity and floral notes, complement salads, seafood, and cheeses. Traditional qvevri-fermented Kisi, exhibiting richer flavors and fuller body, pairs excellently with grilled meats, creamy sauces, and spicy dishes, enhancing the dining experience.
Kisi wines produced in the European style are straw-colored with floral aromas and flavors of pear, citrus, and green tea on the palate. Amber qvevri wines reveal more apricot, mango, lime, orange, and walnut characteristics, offering a complex and layered tasting experience.