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What is Khikhvi, and what wine is made from it?

A Kakheti white grape with a distinct aroma.

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Short answer

Khikhvi is a white grape that originated in Kakheti and is widespread in eastern Georgia, made into light dry wines as well as semi-sweet, sweet and fortified ones. Their aroma is distinctive: boxwood and wildflowers with ripe yellow fruit and apricot.

Georgian wine: regions and grape varieties faq-cover-wine-and-alcohol.png

Why

  1. The variety originated in Kakheti, with most plantings in the south-east of the province on the right bank of the Alazani.
  2. The grape is versatile: light dry, semi-sweet, sweet and fortified wines are made from it (for example in Kardenakhi).
  3. Alcohol is moderate and acidity soft, and it works both as a single-variety wine and as a blending grape.

Details

Both European and qvevri versions exist; qvevri brings out dried fruit and floral notes. The grape is recommended for higher, cooler mountain sites and also grows in Kartli.

For the method see our answer on qvevri, and for other drinks see what people drink in Georgia.

Tip

Khikhvi is not common, so in a wine shop it is worth asking whether there is a single-variety bottle.

What may differ

Style depends on the producer: from dry to sweet, European or qvevri.

Common misconception

Khikhvi is only made dry.

What actually happens

No. Khikhvi is made into light dry, semi-sweet, sweet and fortified wines.

People also ask

  • What is Khikhvi wine?
  • Where does Khikhvi come from?

Sources

This answer is for reference. Taste and style depend on the producer and the vintage.

Georgian wine: regions and grape varieties
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