Telavi Old Telavi Khvanchkara Velvet Edition

Telavi Old Telavi Khvanchkara Velvet Edition is a naturally semi-sweet Georgian red wine bottled at approximately 11–11.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The Old Telavi Khvanchkara line earned a Double Gold medal at the 2019 China Wine & Spirits Awards for its 2017 vintage, and this expression draws on the same acclaimed Racha-region heritage that has made Khvanchkara one of Georgia's most prized appellations.

Quick Facts: ABV: ~11–11.5%  |  Origin: Khvanchkara, Racha-Lechkhumi, Georgia  |  Style: Naturally Semi-Sweet Red  |  Producer: Telavi Wine Cellar (est. 1915)

Production & Heritage

Telavi Wine Cellar was established in 1915 and has grown into one of Georgia's most recognized producers, combining time-honored Kakhetian winemaking traditions with modern cellar technology. Khvanchkara wines are produced from a blend of two indigenous grape varieties—Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli—grown in vineyards near the town of Ambrolauri in western Georgia's Racha region. The wine's hallmark natural semi-sweetness is achieved through carefully controlled fermentation that preserves residual grape sugars, rather than through any addition of sweeteners. Telavi Wine Cellar also maintains traditional clay qvevri alongside contemporary equipment, reflecting the dual character of Georgian winemaking past and present.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with smoky, wild strawberry notes that gradually reveal layers of ripe pomegranate and mixed berries. A subtle dried-fruit sweetness lingers beneath, adding depth without heaviness.

Taste: On entry, the palate is soft and immediately fruit-forward, with pomegranate and dried fruit flavors taking center stage. At mid-palate the wine shows pleasant sweetness balanced by gentle tannins, moving toward a mellow blend of caramel and almond. The overall impression is harmonious—velvety in texture with a delicate fruit character that justifies its dark-ruby hue.

Finish: The finish is medium in length, smooth and gently sweet, with lingering traces of wild berry and toasted almond. A faint caramel warmth carries through to the close.

How to Drink Old Telavi Khvanchkara

This wine is best served lightly chilled, around 14–16°C (57–61°F), to let its natural sweetness and fruit aromatics express themselves fully. It drinks beautifully on its own as a dessert wine or aperitif. For those inclined to experiment: a Khvanchkara Sangria built with fresh pomegranate seeds and citrus plays to the wine's berry-rich profile; a Georgian Spritz with sparkling water and a sprig of fresh mint makes a refreshing warm-weather serve; and a Mulled Wine preparation with cinnamon, clove, and orange peel amplifies the existing dried-fruit and caramel notes during colder months.

Best For

• Introducing someone to the world of Georgian wine and indigenous grape varieties
• Pairing with a holiday cheese board featuring blue and soft-ripened selections
• Gifting a wine enthusiast who values rare appellations and Old World traditions
• Closing a dinner party with a distinctive dessert-course pour

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Old Telavi Khvanchkara taste like? It presents ripe wild strawberry and pomegranate flavors wrapped in a velvety, naturally semi-sweet palate, with supporting notes of caramel, almond, and dried fruit. The overall profile is harmonious and fruit-driven rather than cloying.

How does Old Telavi Khvanchkara compare to Kindzmarauli? Both are iconic Georgian naturally semi-sweet reds, but Khvanchkara is made from Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes in the Racha region, while Kindzmarauli relies on Saperavi grapes from Kakheti, typically producing a darker, more tannic wine. Khvanchkara tends toward a softer, more delicate berry character compared to Kindzmarauli's bolder, earthier profile.

Is Old Telavi Khvanchkara good for sipping on its own? Absolutely—its balanced natural sweetness and smooth texture make it an excellent standalone sipper, particularly when served lightly chilled as a dessert wine or contemplative evening pour.

Where is Old Telavi Khvanchkara made? It is produced by Telavi Wine Cellar, founded in 1915 in the Kakheti region of Georgia, using Aleksandrouli and Mujuretuli grapes sourced from the Khvanchkara micro-zone near Ambrolauri in the Racha-Lechkhumi region of western Georgia.

What foods pair well with Old Telavi Khvanchkara? Blue cheese such as Roquefort matches the wine's sweetness with salty contrast. Roasted duck with a berry reduction mirrors its fruit core. Dark chocolate desserts complement the caramel and almond undertones. Fresh walnut-studded Georgian churchkhela (grape-must candy) echoes the wine's indigenous roots. Spiced lamb dishes with pomegranate molasses create a regional pairing that highlights the wine's berry and dried-fruit notes.

What sizes does Old Telavi Khvanchkara come in? The standard bottle is 750ml, which is the most widely available format for this wine.

Is Old Telavi Khvanchkara worth the price? It positions as a mid-range Georgian wine that delivers genuine appellation character from one of the country's most prestigious micro-zones; for drinkers interested in indigenous grape varieties and traditional winemaking, it represents strong value within the naturally semi-sweet category.

Why Old Telavi Khvanchkara?

Khvanchkara is one of Georgia's most celebrated appellations, and few producers have the track record of Telavi Wine Cellar, which has been operating since 1915. The wine's natural semi-sweetness—achieved without added sugar through controlled fermentation—sets it apart from mass-market sweet reds. A Double Gold at the 2019 China Wine & Spirits Awards confirms that international judges recognize the quality in this bottle. For anyone seeking an authentic Georgian red that showcases two rare indigenous grape varieties in a style with genuine historical pedigree, this Khvanchkara delivers a flavor profile that is difficult to replicate outside its home region.