Krakhuna is indigenous to Imereti in western Georgia – the name means “crispy” in Imeretian dialect. It is grown in the central part of the province, around Sviri, Obcha and Dimi. Its bunches are of medium size, dense and conical, with thin-skinned berries. Depending on the meteorological conditions of its site, Krakhuna tends to bud mid-season, and ripens later (late September in Imereti). It grows well on various types of soils, produces moderate to high yields, and accumulates sugar easily while retaining its acidity.

Rkatsiteli means “red stem”, and is the sturdy workhorse of white grapes in Georgia. It is cultivated throughout its native Kakheti, and in Kartli. Rkatsiteli is disease resistant, and ripens reliably. It is responsible for high-volume, good value whites, but also for high quality examples, especially in skin-fermented Qvevri wines. In key sites Rkatsiteli produces charming and aromatic wines, as for example in the zones of Akhmeta-Ikalto, Kondoli, Tsinandali, Kisiskhevi, Vazisubani and Mukuzani.

Goruli Mtsvane (pronounced Go-roo-lee Mah-ts-vah-nay) may not be as well known as its white counterparts Rkatsiteli or Kisi, but its well worth seeking out. Goruli Mtsvane originates from Kartli, one of the five key winemaking regions in Georgia. The Kartli vineyards are located in the river basins, hundreds of meters above sea level, bisected by the river Kura.

Iv. Javakhishvili, an early 20th Century historian, argued that Chinuri’s name derives the old Georgian word “chini” (reddish-green), but commentators now contend it comes the Georgian word “chinebuli” meaning “excellent” or “the best” in this instance referring to the grapes superb appearance, colour, and flavour. Indeed, some producers even call the variety “Chinebuli.” Regardless, when ripe, the grapes do blush a red-yellow-green.

The origins of Khikhvi’s name are unknown, but it grows widely in eastern Georgia, especially in Kakheti it originated. Most plantings are on the East-Southeast reaches of the province, on the right bank of the Alazani River, and there are some plantings in Kartli. The vine sports large leaves, which are three-lobed, circular and almost round. Its medium-sized bunches are conical, winged, and somewhat loose, with medium-sized, greenish-yellow, thin-skinned berries.

This name means “green Kakheti,” and is usually called simply “Mtsvane” (Green). Mtsvane Kakhuri is one of six different Mtsvane that grow throughout Georgia, each with a different DNA fingerprint, and each named for the origin of its growth. Older than Rkatsiteli, Mtsvane Kakhuri’s five-lobed leaves are dark green and funneled; the medium-sized bunches can be quite dense, sometimes with one shoulder and medium-sized berries.

The leading white grape of western Georgia, Tsolikouri originates in Kolkheti (ancient Colchis, the land of the Golden Fleece). The origins of its name are uncertain. The vine has medium-sized, conical bunches.