Georgian wine PDO
Akhasheni
3 min
Overview
Akhasheni is a renowned PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) in Kakheti, producing naturally semi-sweet red wines from Saperavi (საფერავი). It lies near the village of Akhasheni, within the Gurjaani municipality, and is celebrated for its round, fruit-driven style - softer and more approachable than the firmer, darker Kindzmarauli.
Akhasheni wines are prized for their velvety texture, ripe berry aroma, and balanced sweetness. They represent a gentler side of Georgian semi-sweet reds - elegant, harmonious, and deeply expressive of the warm central Kakhetian plains.
Geography & climate
The Akhasheni PDO stretches across the right bank of the Alazani River, at 350-600 meters above sea level. The vineyards sit on the rolling alluvial terraces of Gurjaani municipality, where the climate is warm and moderately humid.
Long, sunny summers allow Saperavi to develop high natural sugar content, while cool nights preserve acidity. Soils are clay-loam mixed with limestone and gravel, providing both water retention and mineral balance - key factors behind Akhasheni's smooth yet structured wines.
Authorized grape varieties
- Saperavi - 100%
Only Saperavi grapes from the Akhasheni microzone may be used in wines bearing the PDO name.
Wine styles & characteristics
- Color: deep garnet to dark ruby
- Aroma: ripe plum, cherry, blackcurrant, chocolate, and sweet spice
- Taste: medium- to full-bodied, naturally semi-sweet, smooth, balanced acidity
- Alcohol: 11-12%
- Aging: stainless steel or neutral oak to preserve freshness
Compared to Kindzmarauli, Akhasheni shows softer tannins, rounder texture, and more pronounced fruit sweetness, with slightly less acidity - making it particularly accessible.
Taste profile
- Aromas: ripe blackberries, dark cherries, cocoa, and sweet vanilla
- Palate: smooth and mouth-filling, with polished tannins and natural sweetness
- Finish: long, silky, with notes of dark fruit and caramelized spice
Akhasheni offers a refined sweetness that enhances rather than dominates, resulting in a seamless, velvety red with broad appeal.
Production rules
As defined by the National Wine Agency of Georgia:
- Grapes must come exclusively from the Akhasheni microzone
- Maximum yield: 8 tons/ha
- Wine must be naturally semi-sweet; no artificial sweetening is allowed
- Alcohol: 10.5-12.5%
- Aging: typically a few months in stainless steel before bottling; oak aging optional
Food pairing
Akhasheni's roundness and fruit intensity make it a versatile partner for both Georgian and international dishes:
- Pork or beef with plum or pomegranate sauces
- Barbecued meats and spicy stews
- Blue cheese, aged gouda, or sulguni
- Chocolate-based desserts or berry tarts
Serve slightly chilled, at 14-16 °C, to balance sweetness and freshness.
Summary
Akhasheni PDO (ახაშენი) embodies the warmth and generosity of central Kakheti - a naturally semi-sweet Saperavi of soft structure, ripe fruit, and effortless charm. It bridges the intensity of Kindzmarauli with a smoother, more rounded texture, creating a red wine that remains one of Georgia's most beloved and approachable expressions of sweetness and harmony.