Georgia: Racha-Lechkhumi

Works beautifully with berry-fruit desserts, chocolate, nutty sweet dishes, and soft cheeses. Drier styles pair well with roasted poultry, game birds, and spiced dishes. Serve slightly chilled (around 12–15 °C) to accent its freshness.

Usakhelauri is a rare indigenous red grape variety from the Lechkhumi region of western Georgia. Its name literally means “nameless”, a poetic descriptor for a grape so prized that its identity seems priceless. Known for its scarcity and expressive profile, Usakhelauri is chiefly used to make naturally semi-sweet red wines with aromatic depth and textural elegance.

• Appearance: Usakhelauri wines show a jewel-bright ruby to garnet hue. In youth they often display bluish tinges around the rim.
• Aromas & Flavors: Expect vivid red and dark fruit notes—wild strawberry, cherry, raspberry—accented by forest berry, dried herbs, and subtle spice. In more expressive or aged versions, hints of plum, licorice, and light tobacco emerge.
• Style & Structure: Typically medium-bodied, with a balance between residual sweetness, acidity, and soft tannins. Though most expressions lean semi-sweet, dry or table red styles are also crafted. Its structure allows graceful aging, especially in traditional clay (qvevri) or neutral vessels.
• Character: Usakhelauri embodies elegance in rarity—softly sweet yet structured, fragrant yet refined. Because it is produced in minute quantities, each bottle is a collector’s item and a delicate expression of Georgia’s mountain terroir.