Grapes
Kakhuri Mtsvane
3 min
Overview
Kakhuri Mtsvane (კახური მწვანე), often shortened simply to Mtsvane, is one of Georgia's most celebrated white varieties. The name means “green from Kakheti,” describing both its color and its regional origin. While planted across Georgia, it reaches its highest quality in Kakheti's valleys, where it often partners with Rkatsiteli to create some of the country's most elegant dry whites.
The grape's vivid aromatics and balanced acidity make it a natural bridge between traditional qvevri wines and modern fresh styles.
Characteristics
Kakhuri Mtsvane ripens mid-season, producing small clusters with thin-skinned berries of yellow-green hue. It is somewhat delicate - sensitive to rot and requires careful canopy management in humid years - yet rewards precision with perfume and freshness.
Its natural sugar balance allows for both crisp dry and skin-contact styles without losing acidity. The vines perform best on well-drained slopes with moderate fertility.
Wine styles
Mtsvane provides the aromatic lift that Rkatsiteli lacks, giving blended wines both fragrance and dimension:
- Dry whites - bright, floral, expressive; often blended with Rkatsiteli in PDO wines such as Tsinandali and Vazisubani
- Single-varietal wines - increasingly popular, emphasizing tropical fruit and lime-zest freshness
- Amber / qvevri wines - richer and textured, highlighting herbal and honeyed tones
- Experimental sparkling - a few Kartli and Kakheti wineries now use Mtsvane for crisp sparkling bases
Taste profile
Kakhuri Mtsvane is prized for its aromatic intensity and vibrant freshness - an expressive, elegant white that complements Rkatsiteli beautifully:
- Aromas: green apple, lime, pear, apricot, white flowers, sometimes mint or basil
- Palate: medium-bodied, lively acidity, gentle minerality, silky texture
- In qvevri versions: layers of dried fruit, tea leaf, honey, and citrus peel
Regions
PDO
PDOs featuring Kakhuri Mtsvane: Tsinandali, Vazisubani, Manavi.
Food pairing
Mtsvane's aromatics pair best with light, fragrant dishes:
- Grilled fish, shrimp, and seafood salads
- Fresh herbs, citrus-based sauces, and soft cheeses
- Poultry or veal in creamy or herbal preparations
- Qvevri or amber styles: roasted vegetables, mushrooms, walnut-based Georgian cuisine
Winemaking notes
Mtsvane's delicacy demands careful handling. For modern whites, cold fermentation preserves aroma. For qvevri styles, maceration on skins and stems yields depth and amber color. Oxidation control is critical to maintain its signature freshness.
It benefits from blending with Rkatsiteli (for structure) or Kisi (for body) but also shines on its own in single-vineyard bottlings.
Key producers
Leading examples come from producers such as Telavi Wine Cellar, Tsinandali Estate, Shalauri, and small artisan maranis across Kakheti.
Summary
Kakhuri Mtsvane (კახური მწვანე) is Georgia's aromatic counterpoint to Rkatsiteli - lively, floral, and full of personality. Whether crafted as a crisp modern white or an amber qvevri wine, it expresses the brightness and elegance at the heart of Kakhetian winemaking.
