Racha-Lechkhumi is one of Georgia's smallest wine regions, wedged between Imreti to the south and the Greater Caucasus (Caucasus Major) mountains to the north. But despite its diminutive size, it remains one of the most important wine regions in the country.
Composed of the historic Racha (or Ratcha) and Lechkhumi provinces, the region occupies almost 1900 square miles (5000 sq km) of northern Georgia, 100 miles (160km) north of the capital Tbilisi. The regional capital in both administrative and viticultural terms is Ambroulari, which, from the prespective of viticulture, is followed closely by Tsageri. Racha-Lechkhumi's wine country is bounded by the Tskhenis-Tsqali river and the Rioni, into which it eventually flows near Samtredia.
Clouds rising off the Black Sea cause rainfall as they rise to pass over the mountains above Racha-Lechkhumi. Thus there is a higher level of precipitation here than in Kakheti, Georgia's largest wine-producing region, which lies at the very heart of the Caucasus and has a more continental climate.
Almost all wines from Racha-Lechkhumi vineyards are sweeter than their western European counterparts, as a result of the extremely high sugar levels created by the sunny climate. The white wines are based on the three Ts: Tetra, Tsitska and Tsolikouri (Bazaleturi), and the reds are based on Alexandrouli, Mujuretuli (Keduretuli), Usakhelauri, Orbeluri Odzhaleshi and Saperavi.
One of several microregions in Racha-Lechkhumi, Khvanchakara is particularly famous for its semi-sweet Khvanchakara wines, which are based on Alexandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes. A more 'recent' addition to the ancient winemaking culture here, these raspberry-scented reds have been produced since the beginning of the 20th century.
