Kakheti

Qvevri Winemaking – UNESCO Protected Heritage

One of the most distinctive features of Kakheti is the traditional winemaking method using qvevris. These are massive clay vessels buried underground, where a naturally stable temperature is maintained. Unlike in Europe, white wine in Kakheti is fermented and aged together with the grape skins, seeds, and stems (known as chacha). This process gives the wine a rich amber color, firm tannins, and a complex aroma of dried fruits, tea, and nuts. In 2013, this unique method was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Key Grape Varieties

The vineyards of Kakheti are dominated by indigenous, authentic grape varieties that best reflect the region's terroir:

• Saperavi – the pride of the region and one of the rare teinturier varieties (where not only the skin but also the flesh and juice are red). It produces dark, powerful, and age-worthy wines with prominent notes of pomegranate, cherry, and spices.
• Rkatsiteli – the most popular white grape, used to craft both crisp, modern-style wines and traditional, rich amber qvevri wines.
• Mtsvane Kakhuri – a grape that imparts floral aromas, citrus freshness, and elegance, often blended with Rkatsiteli.

Legendary Microzones (PDOs)

Kakheti boasts a great diversity of soils—from the alluvial deposits in the Alazani Valley to calcareous hills. The region features a number of Protected Designations of Origin (PDO), widely referred to as microzones, which are famous for their specific wine styles:

• Tsinandali: renowned for its elegant white wines (typically a blend of Rkatsiteli and Mtsvane).
• Mukuzani: one of the oldest zones, producing dry, oak-aged Saperavi characterized by exceptional weight and structure.
• Kindzmarauli: a globally acclaimed zone known for its naturally semi-sweet, velvety red wines made from Saperavi grapes.
• Napareuli: a zone located in the northern part of the valley, yielding highly subtle and aromatic red wines.

To discover the wines of Kakheti is to embark on a journey through time, where every glass tells a story of respect for the land, ancestral traditions, and unique Georgian hospitality.