Chkhaveri grape is a unique variety native to the country of Georgia in South Eastern Europe, renowned for its rich cultural history and wine making traditions dating back over 8,000 years. This special grape is predominantly found in Georgia's western region, particularly in Adjara and Guria.
Chkhaveri is renowned for producing both rosé and white wines, each with an appreciably distinct aroma and flavour profile. The rosé is commonly described as light bodied yet remarkably layered, offering a complexity of flavours including fresh berries, pomegranate and herbaceous underpinnings. This rosé variation is well-regarded for its pleasant acidity and a clean finish. On the other hand, the white wine selection from the Chkhaveri grape offers subtle floral tones coupled with crisp citrusy notes, offering an intricate balance of sweetness and zest.
Winemakers often ferment these grapes in traditional Qvevri, large earthenware vessels buried underground, a method listed in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity for its ancient and unique wine-producing techniques. This process enhances the natural flavours, drawing out the grape's character and complexity.
It's worth noting that the Chkhaveri grape clusters are quite small and compact, with vines often climbing trees and other structures, a common practice in the Adjara and Guria regions. This results in limited yields but exceptional quality.
As a testimony to its enduring quality, the Chkhaveri grape survived a Soviet-era directive geared towards intensifying agriculture, which resulted in numerous local grape varieties being uprooted and replaced by more prolific varieties. Despite such challenges, the enduring Chkhaveri grape secures its place today as a globally recognised and cherished wine grape variety, preserving the rich tradition of Georgian winemaking. Its unique characteristics and compelling history indeed make Chkhaveri grape an intriguing focus for wine enthusiasts worldwide.
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