Chkhaveri is an alluring grape variety native to the adored viticultural region of Adjara, Georgia. This grape is characterised by its distinct pinkish hue, often referring to it as a pink grape, although others may categorise it as a kind of white grape. The vineyards of Chkhaveri grapes flourish in the slopes of the wooded and mountainous terrains, showered with the cooling breezes of the Black Sea, ensuring the cultivated wines deliver a unique identity and excellent quality.
Originally, this variety's vines were trained to climb trees, a traditional Georgian technique known as Maghlari. However, today, they are more commonly trained using the European trellis system. Chkhaveri grapes are used to produce both varietal red and rosé wines, with the later being more common. Also, they are incorporated in the production of sparkling wines which are truly exquisite.
The wines produced from the rare yet valuable Chkhaveri grape are recognised for their light-bodied and crisp characteristics. They are bright in colour with a salmon or modest ruby hue. These wines typically offer a refreshing and balanced acidity, coupled with intricate flavours of red fruits, particularly strawberries and red currants, mingled with a subtle hint of mineral and floral notes. Like many Georgian wines, traditional Chkhaveri wines present a slight tannic structure due to the qvevri winemaking process, where the grape juice is fermented with its skins in clay amphorae.
Over the years, the Chkhaveri grape has proven to be an integral part of Georgian viticulture, producing elegant and lively wines that are revered internationally. It should be noted, though, that these grapes are not grown in high quantities, hence Chkhaveri wines are somewhat of a rarity, often sought by wine lovers who have a penchant for enigmatic and less familiar wine varieties.
Buy Chkhaveri wine below.
