Georgian wine PDO
Kotekhi
3 min
Overview
Kotekhi is a PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) in Kakheti known for producing dry and semi-sweet white wines from the region's hallmark variety, Rkatsiteli (რქაწითელი). Nestled near the village of Kotekhi, close to Kvareli, the appellation bridges the styles of Tsinandali and Gurjaani - combining freshness and structure with a touch of warmth and fruit depth.
Historically, Kotekhi served as a production zone for both estate and cooperative wineries, and its wines became a reliable benchmark for balance and consistency in Kakhetian whites. Today, Kotekhi PDO represents the archetypal Georgian white: clean, expressive, and food-friendly.
Geography & climate
The Kotekhi PDO lies in the Kvareli municipality of Kakheti, on the right bank of the Alazani River, at elevations between 300 and 550 meters. The vineyards occupy gently sloping foothills and alluvial plains beneath the Caucasus Mountains, where clay-limestone soils alternate with patches of sand and gravel.
The climate is continental and moderately humid, with hot summers, cool autumns, and pronounced diurnal temperature swings. These conditions promote high sugar accumulation while preserving acidity - essential for balanced white wine production.
Authorized grape varieties
- რქაწითელი - minimum 85%
- კახური მწვანე - up to 15%
The blend gives Kotekhi wines a foundation of crisp structure from Rkatsiteli, lifted by Mtsvane's floral fragrance and fruit roundness.
Wine styles & characteristics
- Color: pale straw to light gold
- Aroma: green apple, quince, white flowers, and mineral hints
- Taste: medium-bodied, bright acidity, lightly floral, dry finish
- Alcohol: 11-13.5%
- Style: clean and linear, emphasizing freshness and precision
Both, Dry and Semi-sweet Kotekhi, share a polished balance - neither too rich nor too sharp - making Kotekhi a flexible, reliable style for everyday enjoyment.
Taste profile
- Aromas: pear, apple, citrus blossom, and almond
- Palate: crisp yet rounded, with mineral length and subtle sweetness
- Finish: clean, dry, lightly floral
Kotekhi wines are approachable and versatile - structured enough for pairing, fresh enough for casual drinking.
Production rules
Defined by the National Wine Agency of Georgia:
- Grapes must originate exclusively from the Kotekhi microzone
- Maximum yield: 10 tons/ha
- Permitted styles: dry and naturally semi-sweet
- Alcohol: minimum 11%
- Minimum maturation: 9 months before release
Food pairing
Kotekhi is ideal with:
- White fish, shrimp, grilled chicken, salads, and light cheeses
- Excellent with Georgian vegetable dishes like pkhali or lobio
- Mildly spicy foods, walnut-based sauces, or fruit desserts
- Lightly smoked meats or herbed rice dishes
Serve at 10-12 °C for dry and 8-10 °C for semi-sweet styles.
Summary
Kotekhi PDO (კოტეხი) reflects the everyday sophistication of Kakheti - wines that balance fruit, freshness, and structure without excess. Whether dry or semi-sweet, Kotekhi expresses the pure voice of Rkatsiteli: clear, confident, and endlessly drinkable. It remains one of Georgia's most versatile white wine appellations - understated yet indispensable.