Mtsvane Kakhuri

Mtsvane Kakhuri is one of Georgia's most ancient grape varieties, thought to predate even Rkatsiteli in the vineyards of Kakheti. Evidence places its existence as far back as the 5th century A.D., and it forms part of a Georgian winemaking tradition considered to span 6,000 years. The variety has been a recognized part of Georgian viticulture since the 19th century and belongs to a group of six genetically distinct Mtsvane varieties found across the country.

• Thought to be older than Rkatsiteli, Georgia's most planted white variety
• Evidence of cultivation dates to the 5th century A.D.
• Part of a winemaking culture stretching back approximately 6,000 years
• One of six distinct Mtsvane varieties, each with a different DNA profile

Mtsvane Kakhuri thrives in Kakheti's higher altitude sites on chalky soils under a mild, temperate climate. The vine buds late, in late April, and reaches maturity in the final two weeks of September, ripening before Rkatsiteli. It yields above average and is remarkably hardy, withstanding winter frosts down to -22°C. However, it is sensitive to powdery mildew and oidium. Favored growing locations include Tsinandali, Manavi, Gurdjaani, Vazisubani, and Kardenakhi.

• Requires total active temperatures of around 3,200°C through the growing season
• Hardy to winter frosts as low as -22°C
• Sensitive to powdery mildew and oidium but resistant to phylloxera
• Chalky soils and higher altitudes in Kakheti are its most valued sites

Mtsvane Kakhuri produces two distinct wine styles depending on vinification method. In the modern approach, it yields a greenish-straw dry white with citrus, stone fruit, tropical fruit, and floral aromas. When vinified in qvevri, the traditional Georgian earthenware amphorae, extended skin contact produces an amber-colored orange wine with pronounced apricot and stone fruit character. The grape accumulates sugar readily while retaining acidity, also making it suitable for fortified sweet wine production. It is often blended with Rkatsiteli to create fruity, aromatic wines.

• Modern style: greenish-straw color with citrus, tropical fruit, and floral notes
• Qvevri style: amber color with apricot and stone fruit, textured from skin contact
• Retains acidity alongside high sugar accumulation, giving versatility across styles
• Frequently blended with Rkatsiteli for added fruit and aromatic complexity

Mtsvane Kakhuri holds a defined role within Georgia's PDO system. It is the sole variety permitted in Manavi PDO dry white wines and can comprise up to 20% of the blend in Tsinandali PDO alongside Rkatsiteli. As of 2004, approximately 600 acres were planted to the variety in Georgia. Beyond Georgia, smaller plantings exist in Armenia, Moldova, Russia, and Ukraine. The grape is valued for its ability to express terroir, and is particularly associated with the villages of Tsinandali, Manavi, Gurdjaani, Vazisubani, and Kardenakhi.

• Sole permitted variety in Manavi PDO dry white wines
• Up to 20% permitted in Tsinandali PDO, blended with Rkatsiteli
• Approximately 600 acres planted as of 2004
• Also grown on a smaller scale in Armenia, Moldova, Russia, and Ukraine