Seasonal route from Alvani over the 72 km Abano Pass road to Omalo, in the area whose summer pastures supply chogi and Tushetian guda. georgia.travel gives late May to September as the open season, with the pass closed by heavy snow the rest of the year; Wikivoyage says May or June to October. A small shop in Omalo sells basics including bread and cheese.
Guda is piquant and moderately salty. Mukuzani PDO Saperavi is full-bodied with medium to firm tannin and medium to high acidity, so the salt and the fat of the paste soften the grip of the tannin.
Smoked sulguni is a little saltier than plain, with a smoke aroma. Amber Khikhvi from qvevri is full-bodied with medium tannin and medium to high acidity, with the weight to carry the smoke and the acidity to answer the salt.
Tushuri Guda is dense, salty and piquant, with an umami depth. Amber Rkatsiteli from qvevri has medium to firm tannin and medium to high acidity: the grip stands up to the dense paste and the acidity freshens the salt.
Address: Alvani, Akhmeta municipality, Kakheti (start of the Abano Pass road to Omalo)
Sunday-morning market in the village beside Tsnori, a 20-minute taxi ride from Sighnaghi. Wikivoyage lists cheeses among its fresh produce, meats, crafts, clothes, livestock and farm goods. The listing is undated, so confirm the market is running before a special trip.
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