Guia da Região Vinícola Khvanchkara

Khvanchkara wine region is in Ratcha, Ambrolauri administrative zone, Georgia, that produces slightly sweet red wine. Grapes are grown on the right bank of Rion. Winemaking is an ancient tradition here! Its soil, grape varieties and its wine style make it stand out among the wines of the region. Khvanchkara has become more and more popular in the last few years. This region is definitely worth a visit and the wine tasting is something not to be missed.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Khvanchkara Wine Region

Where is the Khvanchkara Wine Region?

Khvanchkara wine region is in Ambrolauri Municipality, Region Racha, Georgia.

History of Khvanchkara Wine

Over the past few years, Khvanchkara has become more and more popular. A lot of people know it as Stalin's favorite wine, which is not actually true. The history of Khvanchkara is much richer than this and the wine itself is also better than anyone would have thought

Racha is a region in Georgia that produces a slightly sweet red wine. The grapes are grown on the right bank of the Rioni River. In the area of Khvanchkara, winemaking began to be done in ancient times. But the local wine, which made these places famous across Georgia, only appeared at the end of the 19th century. Princes Dmitry and Lebanon Kipiani were responsible for making it. At first they produced only small quantities, but in 1907 they went to a wine tasting festival in Belgium. They took bottles of their wine to show people. Khvanchkara's drinks were so popular, it won a gold medal from European judges. It's even said that the award-winning drink was so revered in Belgium, it earned them an 'Order of Leopold II'-an exclusive badge for their brewing skill. After this incident, the wine became popular in Georgia and abroad. It was created using grapes from the Aleksandrouli Vineyard.The name of this variety comes from the name of Alexander, which means `protector'. Many people in the Racha region believed that its possession could protect them from hunger and poverty. They say," while grapes grow in these parts, local residents will always have work and food. The Soviet Union's power led to Kipiani wines being nationalized. In 1932, the local production was put on an industrial stream and the wine itself from Kipianevsky was renamed into Khvanchkara. At the same time, they added to the main variety, Aleksandrouli, one more – Mujuretuli.

Terrior of Khvanchkara

The climate in Khvanchkara is primarily influenced by western and northeastern windformation. The humidity in this area is higher than average, with winter being somewhat cold and summer being hot .The agro-climate indicators on the slopes in southern latitudes such as a moderate summer temperature and a good amount of sunshine all have positive effects on wine quality. In the micro-zone, in the viticulture area, the annual air temperature rarely falls below 12.2°C; in July and August it tops 21C and at 0.2 degrees Celsius in January.The sunlight duration is much higher in Spring compared to other seasons. The average sunlight duration in spring is more than 1400 hours. The total radiation range is quite high, averaging 120-130 kWh/m² annually. The days with sun-shines have increased which is of great significance since it has a profound impact on the quality of the grapes. The climate in this region is much better than most other regions of West Georgia.

There are various types of soil; some of the first identified by a researcher called Humus-Carbonate soil and Heavy- Clay.

We also have soil from the River both on Both Sides of The Rioni, within 450- 750 meters above sea level.

Khvanchkara Wine Characteristics

Khvanchkara is a naturally semi-sweet red wine made from the Alexandrouli and Mudzhuretuli grape varieties cultivated in the Khvanchkara vineyards, near the town of Ambrolauri in western Georgia. The Wine "KHVANCHKARA" is produced with only ripe grapes. The sugar content in the grapes should be no less than 24%. Grape varieties are Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli. A dark ruby red wine with lovely berry aromas. Silky and velvety on the palate, this wine has a burst of fresh red berry fruits, of wild raspberry, pomegranate and strawberry, and some sweetness balanced with acidity and a touch of tannin.

Food to pair with Khvanchkara Wine

Lobiani

Traditionally consumed at the feast of Saint Barbara, lobiani is a common Georgian bread that's filled with mashed kidney beans and flavored with onions, parsley, coriander, and black pepper. The dough consists of flour, yeast, salt and water.

There is also the bread calledraguli lobiani, which is made with bacon for extra flavor. The namelobianiis derived from the Georgian word for kidney beans,lobio. This dish is delicious and goes well with khvanchkara wine.

More delicate versions of the wine can be served with fruits and lighter desserts. Khvanchkara wines are perfect to enjoy with traditional Georgian desserts such as Felamushi, Churchkhela, raisins, dried fruits and roasted pumpkin.

Places to visit near Khvanchkara

1. Nikortsminda Cathedral

Nikortsminda (built in the 11th century) is a Georgian masterpiece of middle ages architecture. It is one of world heritage sites UNESCO has on its testing list. You need to go see this place. The temple where it stands is surrounded by hills and plenty of nature. This area is covered by a thick coniferous forest, offers complete silence and shade during the hot summer days.

2. Rafting in Ratcha

Rich and beautiful Ratcha region is the perfect place for outdoor activities and extreme rafting. One of the best rivers for extreme rafting is River Rioni. That’s why you need to try rafting on Rioni River. There is no previous experience required or fitness level needed to do this, it’s available to everyone and is one of the most popular tours.

3. Udziro Bottomless Lake

Udziro Bottomless Lake It is located at an elevation of 2800 meters above sea level. The name of the lake translates as “lake without bottom.” July and August are indeed the bes t months to visit the lake. During the trip, visitors will see beautiful forests that follow the landscape, giving shelter to many deer as they travel. The ranges of the Greater Caucasus Mountain Range are also visible and include a few popular summits such as Tetnuldi, Shkhara and Ushba.

Frequently asked questions about

Khvanchkara Wine Region