The Fantastic Four of Kakheti
While the world eagerly awaits the Fantastic Four reboot starring Pedro Pascal as Mister Fantastic, we in the Georgian wine world are more focused on another fantastic four – the superstar white grape varieties of the Kakheti Region: Rkatsiteli, Kisi, Kakhuri Mtsvane, and Khikhvi.
They may not need capes, but when it comes to flavour, versatility, and character, these four grapes are nothing short of heroic. Here is why you need them in your glass.
Rkatsiteli – The Mister Fantastic of Georgian Wine
Just like Reed Richards, Rkatsiteli is known for its flexibility. It can stretch across styles – from fresh whites to full-bodied amber wines, to sparkling and even dessert wines. One of the oldest cultivated varieties in the world, Rkatsiteli is Georgia’s most widely planted grape and a true shape-shifter.
It’s also incredibly food-friendly, pairing well with everything from grilled fish to spicy Asian dishes. Made with skin-contact in qvevri, it reveals nutty, tannic, complex layers. In stainless steel and no skins, it’s citrusy and bright. No matter what you throw at it, Rkatsiteli adapts – just like Mister Fantastic.
Tasting Recommendations:
White: Dugladze Winery - Ranina Rkatsiteli (the price is also truly heroic!)
Amber: Tbilvino - Qvevris Rkatsiteli,Archil’s Rkatsiteli
Kisi – The Invisible Woman
Kisi might fly under the radar compared to its better-known siblings, but don’t underestimate her. Like Susan Storm, Kisi’s power is in her elegance and stealthy strength.
Grown in the eastern Georgian region of Kakheti, Kisi can be made into a delicate, floral white – or transformed into a bold, structured amber wine when made in qvevri on skins. It offers notes of dried apricot, white tea, and a subtle smokiness. When you finally taste Kisi’s quiet complexity, it becomes unforgettable.
Tasting Recommendations:
White: Chelti Kisi
Amber: Makashvili Kisi Qvevri
Kakhuri Mtsvane – The Human Torch (with a zesty spark)
In Georgian, mtsvane simply means “green,” and the grape lives up to the name with its fresh, zesty, and fiery character. If Rkatsiteli is Mister Fantastic, then Mtsvane is clearly Johnny Storm. It lights up a blend, brings heat to qvevri wines, and shines solo in fragrant, high-acid expressions.
Mtsvane is often blended with Rkatsiteli to bring aromatic lift, but on its own, it bursts with tropical fruit, lime zest, and jasmine. In traditional amber style, it gains an extra layer of spice and tannin. Either way, this grape is ready to flame on.
Tasting Recommendations:
Sparkling: Mildiani Brut
White: Tiko Estate - Kakhuri Mtsvane
Amber: Terra Georgia - Mtsvane
Khikhvi – The Thing: rare and hard to forget
Khikhvi is the wild card – Ben Grimm, aka The Thing, of the group. Less common but gaining recognition, it brings structure and grip to the Fantastic Four. Traditionally made as amber wine, Khikhvi is rich and bold, with notes of dried orange peel, toasted almonds, and herbs. Also, the fortified version from Kardenakhi really rocks!
Some winemakers are now crafting fresher, skin-contact-free styles to showcase its hidden elegance. But at heart, Khikhvi is about strength and individuality. Once you’ve met it, you won’t forget it.
Tasting Recommendations:
White: Teliani Valley Khikhvi
Amber: Vine Ponto Khikhvi
We hope you liked our list - it’s high time to give it a taste after watching the Fantastic Four in the cinemas. Grab popcorn and crisps and chill your wines well!
