Georgian wine PDO
Kakheti
3 min
Overview
Kakheti PDO (კახეთი) covers Georgia's most famous wine region, stretching across the fertile Alazani and Iori river valleys and surrounding foothills. This historic region has been the backbone of Georgian viticulture for millennia, with evidence of continuous winemaking dating back over 8,000 years.
Kakheti PDO wines include both whites and reds: aromatic dry whites made from Rkatsiteli (რქაწითელი) and Kakhuri Mtsvane (კახური მწვანე), and structured reds dominated by Saperavi (საფერავი). The PDO designation ensures that grapes are grown within defined boundaries and reflect the region's diverse microclimates and soils.
Geography & climate
The Kakheti PDO spans a variety of landscapes, from the fertile lowlands of the Alazani Valley (400-500 m) to the cooler foothills of the Gombori and Tsiv-Gombori ranges (up to 800 m). Soils are diverse, ranging from alluvial clay, limestone-rich loams, and gravelly terraces to volcanic tuffs, giving each subzone distinctive mineral expression.
The climate is moderately continental, with hot summers, cold winters, and significant diurnal temperature variation. Long, sunny days encourage phenolic and aromatic development, while cool nights preserve acidity, making wines from Rkatsiteli and Kakhuri Mtsvane bright, fresh, and age-worthy.
Authorized grape varieties
- რქაწითელი - 50-80%
- კახური მწვანე - 20-50%
- საფერავი - for reds
Kakheti PDO emphasizes regional typicity: aromatic whites rely on Rkatsiteli and Kakhuri Mtsvane, while Saperavi dominates reds, with smaller percentages of other approved local varieties allowed for blending.
Wine styles & characteristics
- Color: whites range from pale straw to golden; reds from deep ruby to garnet
- Aroma: whites show citrus, green apple, and floral notes; reds feature dark berries, plum, and subtle spice
- Taste: whites are crisp, medium-bodied, and mineral-driven; reds are structured, medium- to full-bodied, with firm tannins
- Alcohol: 11.5-13.5%
- Aging: whites typically stainless steel; some may see oak or qvevri; reds often aged in oak or qvevri
Kakheti PDO wines express the diversity and elegance of Georgia's most celebrated wine region, offering clarity, balance, and regional identity.
Taste profile
- Whites: aromatic, bright, with citrus, pear, and floral notes, fresh acidity, and subtle minerality
- Reds: ripe dark fruit, plum, fine-grained tannins, medium- to full-bodied, with smooth texture and lingering finish
- Finish: clean and persistent, with mineral undertones for whites and refined tannic grip for reds
Both whites and reds reflect the PDO's guiding principle: wines that express place, climate, and tradition.
Production rules
According to Georgia's National Wine Agency:
- Grapes must originate exclusively from Kakheti PDO boundaries
- Maximum yield: 10 tons per hectare
- Both dry and sparkling whites, as well as dry reds, are permitted
- Alcohol: minimum 11%
- Minimum maturation: 6-12 months, depending on style
Food pairing
Kakheti PDO wines are versatile at the table:
- Whites: grilled fish, seafood, vegetable dishes, salads with herbs
- Reds: roasted meats, grilled lamb, stews, mushroom dishes, aged cheeses
- Pairings emphasize freshness for whites and structure for reds
Serve whites at 10-12 °C and reds at 16-18 °C to highlight their regional character.
Summary
Kakheti PDO (კახეთი) is the flagship of Georgian wine. It encompasses the region's diverse microclimates, soils, and grape varieties, producing whites and reds that are bright, structured, and expressive of place. With Rkatsiteli and Kakhuri Mtsvane for whites and Saperavi for reds, Kakheti PDO is a cornerstone of Georgia's ancient and ongoing winemaking tradition.
