Racha-Lechkhumi

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: the producer is registered in the Racha/Khvanchkara zone and owns or buys Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes there, and the label names the Khvanchkara appellation. The winery's page on getwine shows where it is registered and its vineyards.

Usakhelouri (registered as Okureshis Usakhelouri) is a naturally semi-sweet red PDO from the rare Usakhelouri grape, grown on a few hectares across five villages of Lechkhumi, western Georgia. It is one of the world's rarest wines: published figures cite only about 3-5 tonnes of grapes and roughly 1,000 bottles produced nationally in a good year. Because the authentic zone output is tiny while the name is famous, the volume offered under the name can exceed what the zone can produce. What to check: the producer is registered in the Okureshi / Lechkhumi zone and owns or buys Usakhelouri grapes there, and the label names the Okureshi Usakhelouri appellation. The winery's page on getwine shows where it is registered and its vineyards.