“Maghraani Kisi” – Potential Appellation of Origin

The possibility of registration of wine, “Maghraani Kisi”, as a new Georgian Appellation of Origin was discussed at the meeting held in the village of Maghraani, Akhmeta municipality, attended by the representatives of legislative and executive authorities, as well as wine producers and winegrowers.

During the meeting the importance of the Appellations of Origins(AOs) and Geographical Indications (GIs) system was introduced to the local population by the representatives of the National Intellectual Property Centre of Georgia SAKPATENTI together with the statistics of the State Registry, the production and export of AO and GI products. Presentation of draft specifications of the potential Appellation of Origin “Maghraani Kisi” took place during the meeting. 

According to the specifications, prepared by producer’s association - “Maghraani Wine”, the organoleptic characteristics of “Maghraani Kisi” are as follows:  Color - from light straw to light golden; Aroma and Taste – perfect, delicate, soft, pleasant, cheerful, harmonic, refined; having aroma characterizing the location, with meadow flowers and citrus tones; bouquet of dried fruit and herb tones developed with aging. The micro-zone of above-mentioned wine consist of 1250 hectare and includes the following villages: Maghraani, Pichkhovani, Argokhi, Babaneuri.  

In the villages of this micro-zone, viticulture and winemaking originates from ancient time. The main agricultural activities of the local population, viticulture and winemaking, dates back to eneolithic period. Old wine cellars, winepresses, “Qvevri” (wine jars) and centuries-old vineyards (so-called “navenakharebi”) located in village at the slopes of Maghraani fortress and in the valley of the river “Machareuli” are the clear evidence of the above mentioned.  

                         

As the Appellation of Origin is a modern or historical name of a geographical place, region or, in exceptional cases, a name of a country, used to designate the goods of specific quality and features of which are essentially or exclusively due to a particular geographical environment and human factors, by granting the status - Appellation of Origin “Maghraani Kisi” will be authenticated as a special wine, which increases not only the demand but also entire value of the product. In addition, the entire cycle related to the production of the product must take place within this geographical area. 

Accordingly, the use of Appellations of Origin facilitates the regional development of the country, creation of new jobs in the relevant regions and increase of incomes; thus it reduces manpower drain from these regions and stimulates attraction of human resources. It also increases the region awareness and facilitates development of rural tourism.