What is Akhasheni wine?
A semi-sweet red wine from Saperavi.
Short answer
Akhasheni is a semi-sweet red wine from Saperavi with a protected appellation of origin from a micro-zone in Inner Kakheti, made by incomplete alcoholic fermentation of the must. The name was registered in Georgia on 30 August 2005. Other varieties are prohibited under the appellation rules.
Why
- The wine is made only from Saperavi.
- Fermentation of the must is stopped before it is complete, so the wine stays semi-sweet.
- The micro-zone lies in the middle stream of the Alazani at 350–700 m above sea level.
Details
The Akhasheni micro-zone includes parts of Zegaani, Akhasheni, Chumlaki and Kitaani, as well as the Gurjaani region. Grapes must have at least 22% sugar at harvest, actual alcohol of the wine is at least 10.5% by volume and total alcohol at most 15.6% by volume. The wine is dark red, with a velvety, pleasantly sweet taste and aroma, fruity tones and the character of Saperavi.
For other Georgian wines see the best Georgian wines to bring home, and for the region see where Kakheti is and what to see there.
Tip
If you do not like sweet wine, do not mix up Akhasheni with dry Mukuzani: both are from Saperavi, but Akhasheni is semi-sweet under the appellation rules.
What may differ
Individual producers make wine in their own style within the appellation rules. The rules themselves can be updated, so check the current version with the National Wine Agency of Georgia.
Common misconception
Red wine from Saperavi is always dry.
What actually happens
Akhasheni is made from Saperavi, but under the appellation rules it is a semi-sweet wine from incomplete fermentation.
People also ask
- What is Akhasheni wine?
Sources
This answer is for reference: it describes the appellation rules, not the taste of a particular bottle. Rules can be updated, so check official websites.
Georgian wine: Madloba articlesRelated questions
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