Khvanchkara

Mujuretuli and Aleksandrouli from Khvanchkara: a naturally semi-sweet red Georgian wine. Made using the European method, aged in a neutral vessel; alcohol 11.5%. Sources note pomegranate and raspberry on the nose. Produced by Shumi Winery, a large producer with its own vineyards.

Style attributes

Color: Red
Tannin: Medium
Sweetness: Naturally semi-sweet
Aging vessel: Neutral vessel
Technology: European
Volume: 750 ml
Alcohol: 11.5%
Market: Domestic and export

Grape varieties: Aleksandrouli (50%), Mujuretuli (50%)

Recognition

No recorded awards.

Vintages: 2023

Origin

Producer:Shumi WineryLarge producer, own vineyards

Region: Racha-Lechkhumi

Appellation: KhvanchkaraHigh authenticity risk

What to check for this appellation

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.