The red grape variety possibly originates from Armenia. Synonyms are Cakhete, Kachet, Kakheti, Milag Chernyi, Milar Noir, Sev Kakhet and Tchernii Milag. The ancestry (parentage) is unknown. Both the genetic proximity to the Georgian varieties Khikhvi and Kisi, and the name (Kakheti is a Georgian region) could indicate a Georgian ancestry. However, the ethymological meaning is probably derived from the Armenian word "kakhel" (to hang). Nevertheless, it cannot be ruled out that the origin is Georgian. The late-maturing vine is widespread and cultivated in the Armenian areas of Artashat, Ararat and Kotajk. However, no stocks were reported in 2016 (Kym Anderson).
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