Royal Khvanchkara - Tvishi 2022 - White Semi-Dry Wine

Royal Khvanchkara Winery is located in Ambrolauri, in the heart of the exceptionally beautiful mountainous Racha Region. The winery itself has a long history of being the premier producer of the famed and cherished wines from this region for well over a century. The facility had suffered decline during the Soviet era, was purchased by current owners, underwent extensive restoration and modernization keeping its grand architecture and heritage. It is popular destination stop for visitors to the region.

Crushing & de-stemming of grapes and immediate chilling of must at about +41 to 43°F while transferring for juice separation or skin maceration under strict inert gas ambient. Juice separation followed by juice settling under temperature control. Prevention of oxidation while settling the juice to maximize varietal aroma expression. Decantation of clarified juice and its transfer for fermentation at 56 to 59°F. Post fermentation elevage while «sur lie» with strict temperature control. Style balance.

The grapes for this wine, Tsolikouri, are grown in the Appellation Zone of Tvishi, situated in the region of Lechkhumi in West Georgia. The wine is named for the unique characteristics of this grape in this village of Tvishi. The Vines are 40-50 years old and grow at 2300-2400 feet elevation. Soil is loamy, peat, silt. Vines are treated only manual including selective picking by hand when ideally ready for harvest. Viticulture is minimal intervention, lutte raisonnée.

Winemaker Lado Uzunashvili (renowned internationally)
Varietal Breakdown: Tsolikouri 100%
ABV 12%
Fermentation Stainless, 18-20 days fermentation, no skins
Sulfur: 30 mg/l free, 126 total
Filtration/Fining Sterile filtered @ production,
Membrane filtration immediately before bottling
Bottles Produced: 18,000