Kakheti wines awarded at the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge

The Kakheti appellation covers the south-east of Georgia, between the southern slopes of the Caucasus and the border with Azerbaijan. It spans eight municipalities: Akhmeta, Telavi, Gurjaani, Sighnaghi, Dedoplistskaro, Kvareli, Lagodekhi and Sagarejo, set on either side of the Alazani and Iori river valleys. Vines are grown between 200 and 750 metres above sea level on brown, meadow-brown and humus-rich soils, complemented by alluvial soils along the rivers. The climate ranges from subtropical to moderately warm, with hot summers, mild winters and long hours of sunshine. Authorized white varieties are Rkatsiteli, Kakhuri Mtsvane, Kisi, Khikhvi, Mtsvivani Kakhuri and Chitistvala; authorized red varieties are Saperavi, Saperavi-Budeshuri and Cabernet Sauvignon. The region maintains a long-standing winemaking tradition based on the qvevri, large clay vessels buried in the ground, which give rise to amber wines produced through extended skin contact with white grapes.

The wines of this appellation

Under the Kakheti appellation, production spans four colors: white, red, rosé and amber, ranging from dry to sweet. Dry whites, pale straw in color, are delicate, soft and harmonious, with floral aromas that give way to fruit notes with age. Dry reds, deep red in color, are full-bodied, extracted and velvety, with pronounced tannins; their fruit aromas also develop further with age. Amber wines, ranging from deep amber to tea color, come from extended skin contact with white grapes; they are full-bodied, lightly tannic, and develop intense fruit notes over time. Rosés, from pale to deep pink, stand out for their suppleness and aromatic character. Dry whites and rosés pair with poultry and fish; reds and amber wines pair with red meats, dishes in sauce and matured cheeses.