©Wikimedia/Lidia Ilona
Alazani Valley is a sub region within Kakheti in the Georgia Republic. Kakheti is the most important wine region in Georgia, producing three-quarters of the country's wine grapes. It is also known as the cradle of wine production in the world, with archaeological studies finding vine residue dating back 8000 years.
The valley takes its name from the Alazani River that flows for 218 miles (3151km) along the eastern border of Georgia. The river is major source of irrigation and drinking water for the country, and has also become a source of power, after Chinese investors built hydroelectric power plants using the river's current.
The climate in Kakheti is moderate, similar in temperature and rainfall to southern France. However, Alazani Valley is slightly warmer than the rest of Kakheti, and so the grapes tend to get riper and more sweet. The region's main grape variety is Rkatsiteli, which means "red stem", and it is made in a semi-sweet style that starts out with a light straw color, and grows more golden as the wines age. It is common to pair these wines with dessert or fruit and cheese courses.
