KHIKHVI
Khikhvi: An Ancient Georgian Grape Variety
Khikhvi is an indigenous Georgian white grape variety with a long history of producing high-quality wines. It is one of the oldest grape varieties in Georgia, originating in the Alazani Valley.
Distribution:
Khikhvi was primarily cultivated in the Kakheti region, particularly in the Telavi, Akhmeta, Gurjaani, and Sighnaghi districts. However, its cultivation has declined in recent years.
Alternative Names:
Khikhvi is also known by the local names “Jananura” in Telavi and Akhmeta and “Khikhvi” in Gurjaani and Sighnaghi.
International Recognition:
Khikhvi has been recognized in international ampelography, but its distribution outside of Georgia is limited.
Characteristics
- Morphology: Khikhvi has a pubescent young shoot and a pale yellow one-year-old cane.
- Leaves: The leaves are rounded or oval, with a dark green color and a wrinkled surface.
- Clusters: Clusters are medium-sized and conical in shape.
- Berries: Berries are round, greenish-yellow, and covered in a waxy bloom.
- Seeds: The seeds are small and round.
Botanical Characteristics
- Young Shoot: Khikhvi’s young shoot is pubescent and has a grayish-white color.
- One-Year-Old Cane: The cane is pale yellow with a grayish tint.
- Leaf: The leaf is rounded or oval, with a dark green color and a wrinkled surface. The underside of the leaf is covered in a thick layer of pubescence.
- Lobe: The lobes of the leaf are typically curved downwards, giving the leaf a cup-like shape.
- Veins: The veins on the leaf are prominent and have a net-like pattern.
- Petiole: The petiole is often pubescent and forms a right angle with the leaf blade.
Flower and Cluster
- Flower: Khikhvi flowers are perfect, meaning they have both male and female reproductive organs.
- Cluster: Clusters are medium-sized and have a cylindrical or conical shape.
Berry
- Shape and Color: Berries are round or oval, greenish-yellow in color, and often have a sunburned appearance on the side exposed to sunlight.
- Pulp: The pulp is juicy and has a pleasant flavor.
- Seeds: Khikhvi berries typically contain 1-2 seeds.
Agronomic Characteristics
- Maturity: Khikhvi is a mid-season variety, maturing in the second half of September.
- Yield: It is a moderately yielding variety.
- Disease Resistance: Khikhvi is relatively resistant to diseases but can be susceptible to powdery mildew.
- Soil Requirements: It prefers fertile, well-draining soils with a slightly acidic pH.
- Training: Khikhvi is commonly trained using the double cordon or short cordon system.
Khikhvi: A Promising Georgian Grape Variety
Khikhvi is an indigenous Georgian grape variety known for its unique characteristics and potential for producing high-quality wines.
Agronomic Characteristics:
- Early Maturity: Khikhvi is an early-maturing grape variety, typically ripening earlier than other Kakhetian grapes.
- Climate Requirements: The length of the vegetative period and overall development of Khikhvi are influenced by climatic conditions. It performs well in regions with moderate rainfall.
- Yield: Khikhvi is a moderately yielding variety, with average yields comparable to other Georgian grapes. Proper care and management are essential for maximizing yield.
Disease Resistance:
- Powdery Mildew: Khikhvi is relatively susceptible to powdery mildew, especially in humid conditions.
- Other Diseases: It is generally resistant to other fungal diseases like gray rot and black rot.
Technological Characteristics:
- Juice Yield: Khikhvi grapes have a high juice yield, making them suitable for wine production.
- Sugar and Acidity: The grapes contain a balanced level of sugar and acidity, which is ideal for producing well-structured wines.
- Aromatic Compounds: Khikhvi grapes are rich in aromatic compounds, contributing to the unique flavors and aromas of the resulting wines.
Winemaking Potential:
Khikhvi is a versatile grape variety used to produce a range of wines, both in the European and Kakhetian styles.
European Style:
- Color: Khikhvi wines made in the European style often have a pale greenish-yellow color.
- Aroma: They are characterized by delicate floral, citrus, and herbal aromas.
- Flavor: The wines are known for their harmonious balance, refreshing acidity, and light body.
Kakhetian Style:
- Color: Kakhetian-style Khikhvi wines have a deeper golden color.
- Aroma: They exhibit richer fruit flavors, such as peach, apricot, and white flowers.
- Structure: These wines are generally more full-bodied and have a firmer structure.
Overall, Khikhvi is a promising Georgian grape variety with excellent agronomic characteristics and winemaking potential. Its versatility, ability to produce high-quality wines, and unique characteristics make it a valuable asset to the Georgian wine industry.
