After the import of Georgian wine into Russia was banned in 2006, after 6 years such prominent representatives as Kinzmarauli and Khvanchkara were allowed to return to the shelves of shopping centers. Russians have the opportunity to once again enjoy the exquisite taste of these famous wines, which are now more protected from counterfeiting. Correctly selected products that can be served with wine will emphasize and enhance this taste.
The history of Khvanchkara wine
This wine has been produced in the Georgian mountainous region of Rachi from time immemorial, but was presented to the general European public only in 1907, when the princes Kipiani brought it to an international wine exhibition held in Belgium. And this wine, which was previously unknown to any European connoisseur, immediately won the Grand Prix, received a gold medal and even a personal badge of the Belgian king Leopold II.
At first this wine was known on the market as "Kipianevskoe", but in the 30s of the last century it was renamed into "Khvanchkara" and under this trademark it is imported today to many countries of the world. This unique drink owes its taste not only to the natural conditions in which the grapes are grown, but also to other factors. For the production of "Khvanchkara" only two grapes are used - "Aleksandrouli" and "Mujuretuli", which grow only in Racha in the microzone along the banks of the Rioni River. The taste of grapes is influenced by the peculiarities of the composition and mode of heating the soil, the duration and specificity of the vegetative process. In addition, the technology of making this wine differs from the traditional one. Since early frosts are characteristic of the mountainous region of Racha, they interrupt the fermentation process of the wort, as a result of which the water content in it decreases and the amount of sugar increases, and the wine acquires a peculiar taste and high-quality properties.
The annual harvest of the varieties from which "Khvanchkara" is made does not exceed 800 tons, its production cannot be called mass production, so real wine cannot cost less than $ 15-20 per bottle.
With what and how to drink "Khvanchkara"
This semi-sweet red wine, obtained in the process of natural fermentation, has an excellent rich taste, distinctive aroma and velvety taste, in which, in addition to grapes, you can feel notes of flowers and other berries, especially raspberry "sounds". Luxurious dark ruby color complements the enthusiastic impression that "Khvanchkara" makes on true wine gourmets.
Please note that this wine is not categorically suitable for any type of fish.
Semisweet aromatic wine "Khvanchkara" will give you a more refined taste experience if you supplement it with correctly selected and well combined products. Its taste will be set off by spicy cheese, for example, with blue mold, as well as exquisite white meat, game, poultry. This wine is considered dessert, so it is in perfect harmony with fruits, nuts, sweets.
