Chkhaveri
How to Say It
Georgia's coastal rosé grape, thriving in subtropical Adjara and producing wines that range from pale pink to deep pomegranate.
Chkhaveri is an ancient Georgian grape variety grown along the Black Sea coast of Adjara, prized for natural rosé production. One of the few Georgian varieties made primarily as rosé, it delivers red berry aromas, high acidity, and moderate alcohol. The variety is experiencing a strong revival after being sidelined by international grapes during the 20th century.
- Planted across approximately 180 hectares (445 acres) in Adjara, primarily near the Black Sea coast
- Name derives from the Georgian word 'chkhava,' meaning 'sandy,' reflecting its preferred sandy soils
- Late-ripening variety harvested in late October to November, one of the latest in Georgia
- One of the only Georgian varieties from which natural rosé wines are made
- Georgia has produced Chkhaveri semi-sweet wine commercially since 1934
- Historically trained as 'maghlari' vines climbing up trees, an ancient Georgian viticulture practice
- Exhibits resistance to oxidation and strong aging potential
Where It Grows
Chkhaveri is rooted in Adjara, the autonomous republic of southwestern Georgia sitting along the Black Sea coast, roughly 20 kilometers from the city of Batumi. Vineyards stretch from sea level up to 500 meters, with some plantings reaching 800 meters in upper Adjara. The variety also appears in neighboring Guria and Imereti, and is cultivated as far as Samegrelo and Abkhazia.
- Adjara and Guria are the primary growing regions
- Sandy, well-drained soils dominate the coastal zones; alluvial soils line riverbanks
- Yellow and ash-grey earth characterizes the coastal hills
- Humid subtropical climate with the highest rainfall levels in Georgia shapes vine growth
History and Heritage
Chkhaveri is among the oldest grape varieties in Georgia, a country recognized as one of wine's original homelands. Historically, vines were trained as 'maghlari,' a traditional method of growing them up trees rather than on trellises, a practice still visible in rural western Georgia. The variety's name comes directly from the Georgian for 'sandy,' pointing to the coastal terroir that defines its character. Commercial production of the semi-sweet style dates to 1934, and that wine has earned multiple gold, silver, and bronze medals at international competitions.
- Ancient variety with deep roots in western Georgian viticulture
- Maghlari vine training up trees is a distinctly Georgian traditional method
- Commercial semi-sweet Chkhaveri production established in 1934
- Largely displaced by international varieties during the 20th century but now in revival
Wine Styles
Chkhaveri's greatest distinction is its role as one of Georgia's rare natural rosé grapes. The wines range from pale pink to deep pomegranate in color, depending on maceration and vinification choices. Winemakers also produce white, amber, light red, dry, semi-sweet, and sparkling styles, as well as traditional qvevri-fermented versions. Alcohol levels typically fall between 11 and 13% by volume, keeping the wines fresh and food-friendly.
- Rosé is the signature style, ranging from pale pink to pomegranate
- Dry, semi-sweet, sparkling, and amber qvevri styles are all produced
- High acidity preserved even as sugar levels rise at harvest
- Moderate alcohol of 11 to 13% ABV typical across styles
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Chkhaveri delivers a consistent aromatic signature built around red berries, forest fruits, and floral notes. The high natural acidity gives wines freshness and backbone, while the grape's resistance to oxidation supports longer aging than many rosé styles. The late harvest timing, extending into November, allows full physiological ripeness while retaining that defining acidity.
- Red berry and forest fruit aromas are characteristic
- Floral notes add complexity to the aromatic profile
- High acidity is a defining structural feature
- Resistance to oxidation gives the wine genuine aging potential
Red berries, forest fruits, and floral notes on the nose; crisp, high acidity on the palate with a fresh, medium-bodied structure and moderate alcohol. Semi-sweet expressions balance fruit sweetness against bright acidity.
- Adjarian Wine House Chkhaveri Rosé$12-18Produced at the leading Adjara estate, offering classic pale pink rosé character from coastal sandy soils.Find →
- Chkhavalley Winery Chkhaveri$22-30Small-production Adjara winery focused on native varieties; showcases the grape's floral and red berry profile.Find →
- Kakhetian Traditional Winemaking Chkhaveri$20-28Established producer bringing traditional methods to western Georgia's most distinctive rosé grape.Find →
- Dato's Wine Chkhaveri Qvevri$55-70Traditional qvevri fermentation produces an amber-style Chkhaveri with depth and oxidation resistance.Find →
- Chkhaveri is one of the only Georgian grape varieties used to produce natural rosé wine; the style ranges from pale pink to pomegranate
- The variety is native to western Georgia, primarily Adjara and Guria, with a humid subtropical climate and sandy coastal soils
- Late-ripening variety: harvest runs from late October into November, unusually late for Georgian grapes
- Commercial semi-sweet Chkhaveri production dates to 1934, with medal-winning results at international competitions
- The name derives from the Georgian word 'chkhava' meaning 'sandy,' directly referencing its preferred terroir