What is Khvanchkara wine, and where does it come from?
A red wine from Racha-Lechkhumi made from two grapes.
Short answer
Khvanchkara is a red protected-origin wine from Racha-Lechkhumi, made from two grapes, Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli, in a small micro-zone around Khvanchkara village. It is a velvety dessert wine and one of Georgia's best-known protected-origin wines.
Why
- Khvanchkara is not a grape but a protected-origin wine, made from two varieties, Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli.
- It is a red cuvée from lower Racha.
- The blend was created in the late 19th century by the noblemen Luarsab and Dimitri Kipiani, and in 1907 the wine won the Grand Prix at an exhibition in Belgium.
Details
In the town of Ambrolauri in Racha-Lechkhumi, a monument in the shape of a huge wine bottle stands on one of the squares. Several wineries in and around Ambrolauri now make wine under the Khvanchkara name.
To choose a gift see which wines to bring home and what to eat with semi-sweet red wine.
Tip
Check the Khvanchkara name and the producer on the label: the name is protected, so it is worth checking the producer.
What may differ
Style and sweetness depend on the producer and vintage. It is a dessert wine, and labels may show different sweetness terms.
Common misconception
Khvanchkara is a grape variety.
What actually happens
No. Khvanchkara is made from two varieties, Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli.
People also ask
- What is Khvanchkara wine?
- Where does Khvanchkara wine come from?
Sources
- Georgia Tourism: Khvanchkara Wine MonumentChecked at:
- Georgia Tourism: Racha-LechkhumiChecked at:
- National Wine Agency of Georgia: red grape varietiesChecked at:
This answer is for reference. Taste and style depend on the producer and the vintage.
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