Akhasheni
How to pronounce Akhasheni
A Protected Designation of Origin in Kakheti producing naturally semi-sweet Saperavi with a signature velvety softness.
Akhasheni is a PDO in Georgia's Kakheti region producing naturally semi-sweet red wine exclusively from Saperavi grapes. Covering 112 hectares in the Gurjaani district, the wines are defined by dark pomegranate color, ripe dark berry and chocolate notes, and softer tannins than neighboring appellations like Kindzmarauli.
- Located in Inner Kakheti between the Chermiskevi and Papriskhevi rivers in the Gurjaani district
- Only Saperavi grapes grown within the Akhasheni microzone qualify for PDO labeling
- Covers 112 hectares at elevations of 350 to 700 meters above sea level
- Grape sugar content at harvest must reach a minimum of 22%
- Wine specs: 10.5 to 12% alcohol, 3 to 5% residual sugar, 5 to 7% titrated acidity
- Maximum yield is 10 tons per hectare; production is capped at 650 liters per ton
- PDO officially registered on August 30, 2005 with registration number 4
Location and Terroir
Akhasheni sits in Inner Kakheti within the Gurjaani district, centered on the villages of Akhasheni and Chumlaki. Vineyards occupy gently rolling alluvial terraces between the Chermiskevi and Papriskhevi rivers, both tributaries of the Alazani. Elevations range from 350 to 700 meters above sea level, and soils shift across the zone from carbonated and loess to clay, alluvial-diluvial, and brown sod-carbonate rendzina soils on calcareous rock.
- Moderately humid climate with hot summers and mild winters; average annual temperature 12.5°C
- Annual precipitation of 860mm and 2,150 to 2,200 sunshine hours per year
- Rendzina soils on calcareous rock contribute to the wine's mineral structure
- Alluvial terraces provide well-drained growing conditions favorable to Saperavi
History and Classification
The village of Akhasheni has ancient roots, with 18th-century records documenting its contributions to Svetitskhoveli Cathedral. Commercial wine production under the Akhasheni name began in 1958. The appellation received its Protected Designation of Origin status on August 30, 2005, registered as PDO number 4 under National Wine Agency regulations. Archaeological evidence confirms centuries of habitation in the area, placing Akhasheni firmly within Georgia's long winemaking tradition.
- Wine production commercially established in 1958
- PDO registration number 4, granted August 30, 2005
- Historical village records date to the 18th century
- Regulated by the National Wine Agency of Georgia
The Grape and Production Rules
Akhasheni PDO wines are made exclusively from Saperavi grown within the defined Akhasheni microzone. Grapes must reach a minimum sugar content of 22% at harvest. Yields are capped at 10 tons per hectare and production is limited to 650 liters per ton, ensuring concentration and quality. The wine is produced by incomplete alcoholic fermentation with skins submerged, a method that preserves residual sugar while extracting color and texture from the thick-skinned Saperavi grape.
- Only Saperavi from the Akhasheni microzone is permitted
- Minimum harvest sugar: 22%
- Maximum yield: 10 tons per hectare; maximum production: 650 liters per ton
- Incomplete alcoholic fermentation with submerged skins defines the production method
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Open Wine Lookup →Wine Style and Reputation
Akhasheni produces naturally semi-sweet red wine with a characteristic dark pomegranate color. The flavor profile centers on ripe dark berries, cocoa, and chocolate, delivered through a harmonious, velvety texture. Compared to other Kakhetian semi-sweet reds such as Kindzmarauli, Akhasheni shows softer tannins and a rounder mouthfeel. The wine contains 10.5 to 12% alcohol with 3 to 5% residual sugar balanced by 5 to 7% titrated acidity. It has earned 6 gold and 5 silver medals at international competitions.
- Dark pomegranate color; aromas and flavors of ripe dark berries, cocoa, and chocolate
- Softer tannins and rounder mouthfeel than Kindzmarauli
- 3 to 5% residual sugar balanced by 5 to 7% acidity
- 6 gold and 5 silver medals at international competitions
Dark pomegranate in color with aromas and flavors of ripe dark berries, cocoa, and chocolate. The palate is velvety and harmonious with soft tannins, a round mouthfeel, and a natural sweetness of 3 to 5% sugar balanced by fresh acidity.
- Teliani Valley Akhasheni$10-15Widely exported Georgian semi-sweet Saperavi from the Akhasheni PDO zone with characteristic berry and chocolate notes.Find →
- Tbilvino Akhasheni$12-18Established Georgian producer offering PDO-compliant Akhasheni with ripe dark fruit and a velvety texture.Find →
- Badagoni Akhasheni$20-30Gurjaani-based producer making Akhasheni with concentrated pomegranate color and soft, rounded tannin structure.Find →
- Akhasheni is PDO number 4, registered August 30, 2005, in the Gurjaani district of Kakheti
- Exclusively Saperavi; grapes must attain minimum 22% sugar at harvest
- Production rules: max 10 tons/hectare yield, max 650 liters/ton
- Style: naturally semi-sweet (3 to 5% sugar), 10.5 to 12% alcohol, produced by incomplete fermentation with submerged skins
- Softer tannins and rounder mouthfeel than Kindzmarauli distinguishes Akhasheni among Kakhetian semi-sweets