Grapes
Khikhvi
3 min
Overview
Khikhvi (ხიხვი) is an ancient Georgian white grape native to Kakheti, long admired for its fragrance, balance, and versatility. The name's origin is uncertain, but the grape has been documented in local vineyards for centuries and is often described as “the noble white of Kakheti.” Despite near extinction during the Soviet consolidation of vineyards, Khikhvi survived in small family plots and has now re-emerged as one of Georgia's most refined and expressive varieties.
It produces wines ranging from delicate dry whites to rich amber and even naturally sweet styles, showcasing a rare harmony between aromatics, texture, and acidity.
Characteristics
Khikhvi vines are moderately vigorous, yielding small, compact clusters of yellow-green berries. It ripens mid- to late-season and thrives in the Telavi, Gurjaani, and Kvareli districts of Kakheti, where warm days and cool nights preserve acidity while developing full flavor ripeness.
The grape accumulates sugar easily, giving it natural generosity and a soft, rounded palate. It performs best on alluvial and clay-limestone soils and adapts well to both qvevri and stainless-steel vinification.
Wine styles
Khikhvi wines are among Georgia's most versatile and perfumed - graceful, layered, and naturally harmonious across all styles:
- Dry whites - elegant, balanced, floral, and mineral, often showing subtle spice or honey
- Amber / qvevri wines - full-bodied, textured, with dried-fruit and tea-leaf complexity
- Semi-sweet / dessert wines - naturally sweet styles made from late-harvest fruit, prized for depth and aromatic purity
- Experimental blends - occasionally combined with Rkatsiteli or Kisi for enhanced depth
Taste profile
Khikhvi wines are admired for their aromatic finesse and natural balance - expressive yet graceful, with a gentle richness on the palate:
- Aromas: apricot, acacia blossom, quince, citrus peel, honey, dried herbs, and spice
- Palate: medium to full body, rounded texture, fine acidity, lingering floral finish
- Amber styles: notes of dried fruit, chamomile, nuts, and waxy texture
Regions
PDO
While Khikhvi does not anchor a PDO of its own, it is an approved variety in several Kakhetian appellations: Kardenakhi, Kotekhi, Napareuli, Kvareli
Food pairing
Khikhvi's perfume and soft acidity make it broadly food-friendly:
- Seafood with butter or citrus sauces
- Roast chicken or turkey with herbs
- Creamy risotto or mild curries
- Georgian walnut-based dishes (satsivi, badrijani)
Winemaking notes
Khikhvi excels in both qvevri and modern cellars - amber styles show structure and spice, while stainless-steel versions emphasize jasmine and apricot aromas.
Its natural sugar-acid balance yields elegant dessert wines and remarkable ageworthiness.
Key producers
Leading producers include Shumi Winery, Teliani Valley, Chateau Khashmi, Lagvinari, and a growing number of artisan maranis such as Gotsa and Pheasant's Tears crafting natural and amber interpretations.
Summary
Khikhvi (ხიხვი) represents the grace of Kakhetian winemaking - aromatic yet structured, ancient yet freshly relevant. Whether bottled as a crisp dry white, an amber qvevri expression, or a luscious dessert wine, Khikhvi captures the elegance, balance, and quiet depth that define Georgia's evolving white-wine renaissance.
