Khikhvi Qvevri 2024 – Georgian Orange Wine

Khikhvi, Georgian natural wine from the grapes in our own organic vineyard in Kakheti, crafted according to 8,000-year-old traditions in a Qvevri (underground clay amphora).

What makes this Khikhvi special

• Hand-picked grapes from our organic vineyard
• Skin-contact fermentation
• Aged in Qvevri (underground clay amphora)
• 100% Georgian natural wine with zero additives
• Unfiltered, unsulfured, minimal intervention
• Bottled at our own cellar by the winemaker personally
• Floral notes and a creamy structure

Taste and Style

This dry orange wine, produced in Qvevri, is characterized by its floral notes and aromas of quince, orange blossom, and wildflowers.

What is Khikhvi?

Khikhvi is an indigenous white grape variety from Georgia. It is known for its high sugar content, which often results in semi-sweet wines or those with a higher alcohol volume. Compared to other Kakhetian varieties like Rkatsiteli or Mtsvane, it is significantly rarer.

Khikhvi wines offer aromas of wildflowers and honey, alongside fruits like peach and nectarine.

The variety was nearly wiped out during the Soviet occupation, surviving only in the tiny vineyards of a few families. Since Georgia’s independence, Khikhvi has slowly become more common again.

What is Qvevri Wine?

A Qvevri is a clay amphora buried in the ground used for winemaking. This traditional method is part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. People in the territory of modern-day Georgia were already making wine this way 8,000 years ago.

Characteristics of Qvevri Winemaking

Making wine in a Qvevri is a unique thing that shapes the character of this Khikhvi:

• Constant Temperature: Because the Qvevris are buried, the interior maintains naturally cool and stable temperatures. This allowed the Khikhvi grapes to ferment slowly and gently.
• Natural Filtration: Thanks to the egg-shaped structure, skins, seeds, and other particles settle at the bottom, naturally filtering the wine.
• Micro-Oxidation: The porous clay allows tiny amounts of oxygen to enter during the process, giving this Khikhvi its unmistakable character.

Winemaking Process in Qvevri

For this 2024 Khikhvi Orange Wine, we pressed hand-harvested, carefully sorted grapes and added the entire "mash" (juice, pulp, skins, and seeds) into a Qvevri. As with all our wines, fermentation was triggered by naturally occurring wild yeasts (spontaneous fermentation). After 18 days of 100% skin contact, we separated the wine from the skins and seeds and moved it to another vessel. After eight months in a stainless steel tank, the wine was bottled.

The Producer

Inavarde Wines is a small, owner-managed cellar in Eniseli, a village in the Kakheti region of Eastern Georgia. The winery was founded in 2020 by Swiss expat Fabio Bolognese. Using organic grapes from its own vineyard, Inavarde Wines produces around 4,000 to 5,000 bottles of natural wine per year, including about 800 bottles of Khikhvi.

Our Philosophy

We believe that a thriving vineyard and exceptional grapes are the most important requirements for good wine. That’s why we put so much work and passion into our organic vineyard and only intervene in the cellar when absolutely necessary.

Origin: Kakheti

Located in Eastern Georgia, Kakheti is the country’s most important wine region, home to about 75% of all vineyards. The continental climate—with hot summers and cool nights—and mineral-rich soils provide ideal conditions for the Khikhvi variety.

Perfect Pairings

Georgian Dishes:

• Chicken Tabaka
• Chakhokhbili (chicken stew)
• Adjapsandali

International Dishes:

• Fried fish and seafood
• Grilled vegetables
• Fresh cheeses

Serving Tips

For this 2024 Khikhvi Qvevri, we recommend a serving temperature of 13–15°C. Decant the wine 30 minutes before enjoying to let the aromas unfold—though it also drinks very well after two to three hours of aeration.

Storage

Since this is a natural wine with no added sulfur or preservatives, it is essential to store it in a cool, dark place:

• 11°C to 16°C: Can be stored for several years
• 17°C to 19°C: Can be stored for several months up to 1–2 years
• 20°C and above: Enjoy within a few weeks or months

Wine Details

• Vintage: 2024
• Variety: Khikhvi
• Country: Georgia
• Region: Kakheti
• Micro-zones: Kindzmarauli, Kvareli
• Vinification: Qvevri
• Aging: Stainless steel
• Bottle size: 0.75 l

Analysis

• Alcohol: 12.5%
• Residual Sugar: 1.4 g/l
• Titratable Acidity: 5.5 g/l
• Contains sulfites (no additional sulfites were added to this wine; the contained sulfites occur naturally)

FAQ: Khikhvi Qvevri 2024

What are Orange Wines?

Orange wines are made by fermenting white grapes on their skins. The "mash" is the mixture of juice, pulp, seeds, and skins. Since most of the color pigments are in the skins, the wine takes on an amber to orange hue.

Where can I buy this Khikhvi in Tbilisi?

You can find the Inavarde Wines Khikhvi Qvevri 2024 at Wine Boutique Tbilisi (17 Eristav-Khoshtaria St) and at WAREHOUSE at Stamba (14 Merab Kostava St).