Solikouri Skin 2023 Ramaz Nikoladze

Tsolikouri Skin 2023

Philosophy in the vineyard

The Tsolikouri Skin 2023 comes from a tiny vineyard over 100 years old, still farmed by hand with picks and spades, preserving a deep-rooted peasant tradition handed down through Ramaz Nikoladze’s family. On a small parcel, the grass is hand-cut to avoid stressing the soil. The typical humidity of Imereti requires the use of Bordeaux mixture as the sole natural treatment. Harvesting is strictly manual, selecting only the healthiest Tsolikouri grapes — an iconic native variety of western Georgia.

Approach in the cellar

In the cellar, the same uncompromising artisanal approach reigns. The grapes are fully destemmed and ferment spontaneously on the skins in qvevri lined with beeswax, an ancient practice that keeps the vessel naturally clean and respects the wine’s character. Maceration lasts 3–4 months, after which, once malolactic fermentation is complete, the wine is racked off the skins into clean qvevri where it rests until bottling the following summer, with no fining or filtration. The result is a genuine orange wine that fully expresses its place and Ramaz’s vision.

Deep amber in colour, it releases aromas of dried fruit, citrus peel, wild herbs and sweet spices. The palate is vibrant and enveloping, with marked salinity and an elegant tannic finish.

Technical sheet

• Producer: Ramaz Nikoladze

• Vintage: 2023

• Region: Imereti

• Grape variety: 100% Tsolikouri

• Format: 0.75 l

• Country: Georgia

• Alcohol: 12%

See all products of Ramaz Nikoladze

Ramaz Nikoladze

A family story reborn

Ramaz Nikoladze is one of the most respected names in Georgia’s artisanal winemaking scene. His winery was founded in 2007 when he decided to revive an old cellar that had historically belonged to his family. This project is not just about wine but about protecting and passing on a heritage that could have been lost. Today, Ramaz is a true reference point for those seeking the most authentic side of Georgian wine — micro-production, native grape varieties and ancient methods.

Philosophy in the vineyard

At the heart of Ramaz Nikoladze’s work is less than one hectare of vineyard, a tiny plot farmed with obsessive care. Two native varieties grow here: Tsiska and Tsolikouri, traditional grapes from the Imereti region. Vineyard management is completely manual, fully respectful of nature and free of aggressive treatments. Ramaz firmly believes that the grower’s role is to be a guardian, not a manipulator, letting the vines follow their own rhythm while absorbing the unique energy and minerality of these ancient soils.

Approach in the cellar

In the cellar, Ramaz Nikoladze works with the same coherence. Vinification is minimalist and traditional, with no shortcuts: spontaneous fermentations with only indigenous yeasts, long skin macerations and the wise use of qvevri, the buried clay vessels that have defined Georgian winemaking for millennia. No filtration, no fining: each bottle tells the story of its vintage, its vineyard and Ramaz’s guiding hand in a direct, vibrant and honest way. His wines, despite being made in tiny quantities, are sought after worldwide by lovers of orange wines and authentic traditions.