Collection: Royal Khvanchkara

The Racha-Lechkhumi region in western Georgia is a small but historically significant appellation, famed for producing some of the country's most unique and highly-prized wines.

Style of Wines:The region is most strongly associated with naturally semi-sweet red and white wines, which are a hallmark of its specific microclimate.

Key PDOs (Protected Designations of Origin):

Khvanchkara (Red Semi-Sweet): This is the most famous wine, made from a blend of the indigenous Alexandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes. It is known for its intense dark red/purple color, rich berry aromas (especially raspberry), full body, and harmonious, velvety sweetness. Production is limited and highly regulated.

Usakhelouri (Red Semi-Sweet): A rare and high-quality red wine from the Usakhelouri grape (meaning "nameless"). It has a distinctive pomegranate color, complex aromas of forest berries and florals, and a pleasant, gentle structure. It is one of the most expensive Georgian grapes due to its limited yield.

Tvishi (White Semi-Sweet): Made from the Tsolikouri grape, this wine is light straw-colored, delicate, and aromatic with fruity tones, often suited for warm wea

• Other Styles: The region also produces excellent dry wines, including dry reds from Alexandrouli and Saperavi (which tends to be softer and milder here than in Kakheti), and dry whites from varieties like Tsulukidzis Tetra (Rachuli Tetra) and Tsolikouri.

History and Unique Characteristics:

• Ancient Heritage: The history of winemaking here dates back centuries, and the region is mentioned in historical sources. The tradition of winemaking is deeply woven into the local culture. Khvanchkara has been produced under its PDO label since 1932.

   

• Terroir: The region is mountainous, nestled between Imereti and the Greater Caucasus mountains, with vineyards often on favorable slopes of the Rioni and Tskhenis-Tsqali river valleys. The climate features moderately cold winters and hot, sunny, but often humid summers with more rainfall than Eastern Georgia (Kakheti). This humid-subtropical climate and the high altitude allow the indigenous grapes to achieve extremely high sugar content while maintaining sufficient acidity, which is crucial for the natural semi-sweet style

• Winemaking: While classic European winemaking methods are used, many winemakers also employ the traditional Georgian Qvevri method (large clay vessels buried in the ground, called Churi in Racha), which imparts unique complexity, color, and tannins to the wines.

   

• Winemakers: The local winemakers (often in small, family-run cellars) are known for their dedication to preserving these endemic, low-yielding, and difficult-to-cultivate grapes like Alexandrouli, Mujuretuli, and especially Usakhelouri, upholding the time-honored practices that define the appellation's distinct, high-quality, and deeply expressive wines.