Why it matters
The producer
The current winery opened in 2001 on the grounds of the original Kipiani wine factory. Production remained small until 2015. During the period that followed, Soviet-era winemaking equipment was replaced with modern machinery.
The estate has 25 hectares of its own vineyards across the Racha villages of Sadmelis Chala, Koveli, Tola and Chkvishi. Royal Khvanchkara characterizes the vineyards as biodynamic and the winemaking as low-intervention, with grapes picked by hand.
Wines to know
The range in view
Khvanchkara is a naturally semi-sweet red composed of 60% Aleksandrouli and 40% Mujuretuli. Its aromas cover strawberry, raspberry, other berries and herbaceous notes.
Usakhelauri is a single-variety, naturally semi-sweet red. Black plum, cherry, blackcurrant and liquorice form its aroma register.