A semi-sweet mountain red from Racha, made from Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes. The appellation was renamed in the 1930s, and Soviet marketing made it famous as Stalin’s preferred wine.
It is a protected appellation from a defined mountain zone, made under licence in a winery.
What goes into it
- Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes
- yeast
How it is made
The grapes ripen high in the Racha mountains and are fermented on their skins. As with Kindzmarauli the mountain cold arrests the fermentation while sugar remains, giving a naturally sweet red without any addition. It is bottled young and drunk within a few years.
How long it takes: one vintage a year
How it is eaten
Lightly chilled, with cheese, khachapuri or on its own.
History
Appellation in Racha, renamed in the 1930s; Soviet marketing made it famous as Stalin’s preferred wine.
Frequently asked questions
What is Khvanchkara?
Khvanchkara is a wine & spirit from Georgia: semi-sweet mountain red from Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes. Appellation in Racha, renamed in the 1930s; Soviet marketing made it famous as Stalin’s preferred wine.
How is Khvanchkara made?
The grapes ripen high in the Racha mountains and are fermented on their skins. As with Kindzmarauli the mountain cold arrests the fermentation while sugar remains, giving a naturally sweet red without any addition. It is bottled young and drunk within a few years. It takes one vintage a year.
Can I make Khvanchkara at home?
No, and the atlas gives no method for it. It is a protected appellation from a defined mountain zone, made under licence in a winery.
What goes into Khvanchkara?
Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes, yeast.
How is Khvanchkara eaten?
Lightly chilled, with cheese, khachapuri or on its own.
