Georgia — wine

Racha-Lechkhumi Wine Region

Remote mountainous region in northwestern Georgia; high-altitude valleys at 500–900m in the Greater Caucasus foothills. The indigenous Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes produce Khvanchkara — Stalin's favourite semi-sweet red wine. Natural residual sugar from late harvest and arrested fermentation. Limestone and slate soils; traditional kvevri (clay amphora) winemaking preserved. Among Georgia's most historically significant regions.

Year Rating Notes
2022 Good Racha mountain conditions; Aleksandrouli achieved balanced semi-sweet character; Khvanchkara true to form
2021 Outstanding vintage; Besini Khvanchkara showing exceptional fruit-acid balance; dry Aleksandrouli praised internationally
2020 Good conditions; mountain cold arrest of fermentation perfectly timed; Khvanchkara natural sweetness harmonious
2019 Classic Racha profile; semi-sweet balance achieved naturally; dry Aleksandrouli elegant and food-friendly
2018 Variable Caucasus conditions; limestone drainage essential; Khvanchkara quality maintained through traditional kvevri method
2017 Good vintage; mountain altitude and cold fermentation produced characteristic Khvanchkara; kvevri ageing successful
2016 Superb Racha-Lechkhumi vintage; Khvanchkara considered benchmark expression; dry Aleksandrouli gaining export attention