Khikhvi (Akhmeta Wine House) 2022 [Akhmeta Wine House] Khikhvi (Georgia / Amber / Dry flower, Apricot)

■ Appearance: Radiant, vibrant golden amber.

■ Aroma: An enchanting and fragrant bouquet of dried apricot, wild flowers, and honeycomb, subtly layered with hints of roasted almonds and sweet baking spices.

■ Palate: Full-bodied with a beautiful texture. Rich flavors of ripe stone fruit and orange marmalade unfold, perfectly balanced by a refreshing, lively acidity and integrated, tea-like tannins from skin contact. The finish is long, savory, and exceptionally elegant.

Revival of a Rare Ancient Variety and Uncompromising Qvevri Vinification

Hikhvi is an ancient and rare indigenous Georgian variety that was once on the brink of extinction but is now experiencing a passionate revival. It is highly prized for its high natural sugar content and extremely vibrant, floral aromas, making it ideal for extended skin contact, which yields amber wines of profound depth.

True to a philosophy of minimal intervention, hand-harvested grapes are naturally fermented with wild yeasts, along with their skins and stems (chacha). This is followed by a long maceration and aging period in traditional beeswax-lined "qvevri" buried deep in the earth. This ancient technique imparts natural stability and remarkable complexity without any modern manipulations.

Recommended perfect matches for this wine:

• ■ Herb-roasted pork or poultry: The wine's sturdy structure balances the richness of roasted meats, while its earthy notes beautifully complement aromatic herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme.
• ■ Georgian dishes with walnuts (such as Satsivi or Badrijani): A traditional, regional pairing where the nutty and umami qualities of the food perfectly resonate with the wine's oxidized, complex nature.
• ■ Aged hard cheeses (like Gouda or aged Cheddar): The deep savory notes and crystallized texture of the cheese harmonize wonderfully with the wine's dried fruit nuances and firm tannins.

Serving Temperature: 12℃〜14℃ (Enjoy at this temperature range to bring out its full richness.)

Kakheti Region, Akhmeta Microzone

Located in the upper reaches of the Alazani River Valley, the Akhmeta region benefits from a unique microclimate of hot, sun-drenched days and cool nights descending from the Caucasus Mountains. The mineral-rich alluvial soils impart a distinctive earthy tension and vibrant acidity to the wine, perfectly balancing the rich flavors of the Hikhvi variety.