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Khvanchkara

Racha-LechkhumiRegistered July 14, 2005

Racha, Ambrolauri district: both banks of the Rioni — the southern slopes of the Lechkhumi range on the right, the northern slopes of the Racha range on the left — and the south-eastern part of the Lechkhumi municipality. The zone stretches 35–40 km along the gorge and covers thirty villages. The wine comes from two local varieties, Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli, and is red naturally semi-sweet, with no sugar added and at least eleven per cent alcohol.

In the zone's specification

Grapes: Aleksandrouli, Mujuretuli

Alcohol: no less than 11%

Bottling: inside the zone only

Villages of the zone: Khvanchkara, Tsesi, Kvatskhuti, Sadmeli, Ghviara, Bostana, Didi Chorjo, Patara Chorjo, Meore Tola, Pirveli Tola, Chrebalo, Chkvishi, Zhoshkha, Kvishari, Ghvardia, Bareuli, Ghadishi, Baji, Bugeuli, Saketsia, Jvarisa, Itsa, Krikhi, Akhalsopeli, Gori, Khimshi, Abanoeti, Dzirageuli, Alpana, Orbeli

Source: the appellation specification, register no. 1 — National Wine Agency

Authenticity

High authenticity risk

Khvanchkara is a naturally semi-sweet red PDO from Racha, made only from Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes grown in a small demarcated micro-zone around Ambrolauri. Because these two grapes grow on a very limited area (the core micro-zone is on the order of tens of hectares, within roughly 900 ha of Racha vineyards) while the name is among Georgia's most famous, the volume sold under the name has historically exceeded what the zone can produce, and falsification of the name is well documented in the wine press. What to check: confirm the producer is registered in the Racha/Khvanchkara zone and owns or sources Aleksandrouli/Mujuretuli grapes there, and treat unusually cheap 'Khvanchkara' with caution.

The dot marks the locality the appellation is named after.

Wines of Khvanchkara