Grape variety

Krakhuna

Rare white variety · Imereti

A rare Georgian white grape variety, with only around 85 hectares under cultivation, almost all in Imereti, the region around our cellar. Considered one of western Georgia’s finest grapes in the nineteenth century, it had almost disappeared by the early 2000s. Today, Krakhuna is once again highly prized among Georgian wine enthusiasts. It develops high sugar levels while retaining lively acidity, producing full-bodied, aromatic wines with freshness and excellent ageing potential.

Colour: White (also amber)
Home region: Imereti, Western Georgia
Harvest: Late September to October
Acidity: High

Origin

Native to central Imereti, particularly the villages of Sviri, Obcha and Dimi. All lie within half an hour of Geguti, as does Zovreti, where our grapes come from.

The name

Krakhuna means ‘crisp’ in the Imeretian dialect.

In the vineyard

Late-ripening, usually from late September in Imereti. Its thin skins make it sensitive to heavy rain, so the grapes need particular care as they ripen. Our grower in Zovreti is one of the few specialists in cultivating Krakhuna.

The grapes

Medium-sized, compact, conical bunches with thin-skinned berries.

Taste and aroma

Apricot, quince, yellow apple and tropical fruit, with notes of honey and herbs. Full-bodied, with lively acidity and a long finish.

How we make it

We blend Krakhuna with 20% Tsitska from the same vineyard, adding freshness and acidity. For our N°1 2022, the wine fermented without skin contact in stainless steel tanks before ageing for three months in qvevri. Our Krakhuna Tsitska 2024 was both fermented and aged in qvevri.

Food pairings

Fish, seafood, poultry, Mediterranean vegetable dishes and mild cheeses.

Our wines