Rkatsiteli
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Rkatsiteli is a white wine grape variety that is one of the most widely planted in the world. Believed to have originated in Georgia's Kakheti region from the domesticated species of the Alazani valley, it is not only a popular grape variety used to make wine, but also a symbol of Georgian culture and heritage far beyond the realm of taste. It is woven into the very fabric of Georgian life, gracing celebratory tables, family gatherings, and everyday meals.
The "Archil's Wine" vineyard in the village of Kurdghelauri.
Name
The name Rkatsiteli (რქაწითელი in Georgian) means “red stem” or “red horned”, a nod to the variety's reddish stalks. It's also known as Rkatziteli, Baiyu, and Corolioc.
Origin
Historical mentions of Rkatsiteli stretch back to the 12th century, yet its roots likely lie deeper. Academic analysis suggests the grape could date to the first five centuries AD, a theory supported by morphological characteristics of the vine itself and the limited number of hybrids. While its lineage is intertwined with Georgia's long viticultural history, Rkatsiteli is definitively younger than the renowned Saperavi variety.
Viticulture
Rkatsiteli is a vigorous grape variety well-suited to Georgia's climate and soil conditions. Its natural hardiness allows it to flourish in various terroirs, from sun-baked valleys to rolling hills, making it resistant to pests and diseases. Widely planted in its homeland of Kakheti, Rkatsiteli vines are also grow in Kartli and, less frequently, in Imereti and Racha-Lechkhumi Regions. This adaptable grape has also found success far beyond Georgia, taking root in Azerbaijan, Armenia, Russia, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan, as well as in some Eastern European countries, including Ukraine, Romania, and Moldova. Beyond Europe, Rkatsiteli is also represented in China (where it's known as Baiyu) and the United States.
Ripe rkatsiteli grapes at the "Archill's Wine" vineyard.
Wine styles
Rkatsiteli's ability to retain good acidity even in hot summer continental climates makes it popular among winemakers. Its impressive balance of sugar and acids underpins its incredible versatility and opens the door to a dazzling range of wine styles from dry to sweet, sparkling to still. This makes Rkatsiteli a key part of Georgian viticulture.
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Dry Rkatsiteli wines are typically characterized by their noticeably acidity, minerality, and floral, citrus and peach aromas, good balance. They can range in color from pale straw to deep gold, depending on the winemaking style. Often unoaked, these vibrant wines are a delight with Georgian cuisine. Oak-aged versions add layers of complexity and depth to the wine. High-quality, European-style dry wine can be made from Rkatsiteli that is cultivated in the districts of Akhmeta, Ikalto, Tsinandali, Vazisubani, Artani, Napareuli, Eniseli, and Manavi.
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Amber Rkatsiteli is most common style of this grape in Georgia. In Kakheti region traditionally, amber Rkatsiteli crafted in qvevri where the wine ferments with grape skins and stems. These wines shimmer with a deep amber hue, offering aromas of dried flowers, quince, ripe apricots, honey, and spices. Boasting full-bodied character and well-integrated tannins, Rkatsiteli wines possess excellent aging potential and can develop interestingly in the bottle. The best amber Kakhetian style wine is provided in the Telavi-Akhmeta zone and Kardanakhi.
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Sweet Rkatsiteli wines are primarily crafted using late harvest techniques, showcasing ripe sweetness and an intense aromatic profile. Expect notes of dried fruit, honey, and warming spices, balanced by a touch of acidity for a smooth and harmonious palate.
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Sparkling Rkatsiteli is also produced both in Georgia and in other countries. These wines mostly offer a delicate taste, gentler fizz and balanced character thanks to Rkatsiteli's inherent structure.
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Andrias Gvino Rkatsiteli2022
- Regular price
- €9.99
- Sale price
- €9.99
- Regular price
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- Unit price
- per
Winery Andrias GvinoVintages2022 / qnt.3000Wine type
Amber | Alc. 12.5% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – AkhmetaGrape Rkatsiteli
In Stock 3000 -
Eclipse Mzis Tvali2021
- Regular price
- €24.05
- Sale price
- €24.05
- Regular price
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- Unit price
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Winery EclipseVintages2021 / qnt.254Wine type
Amber | Alc. 12.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Kvareli – ShildaGrape Rkatsiteli
In Stock 254 -
Darsa Rkatsiteli2022
- Regular price
- €10.16
- Sale price
- €10.16
- Regular price
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Winery EclipseVintages2022 / qnt.1671Wine type
Amber | Alc. 13.5% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Akhmeta – Zemo AlvaniGrape Rkatsiteli
In Stock 1671 -
Eclipse Narnari Tsisnami2022
- Regular price
- €5.08
- Sale price
- €5.08
- Regular price
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- Unit price
- per
Winery EclipseVintages2022 / qnt.552Wine type
Semi Dry
White | Alc. 13.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Kvareli – KuchataniGrape Rkatsiteli 85% · Chardonnay 15%In Stock 552 -
Eclipse Tsisnami2022
- Regular price
- €5.08
- Sale price
- €5.08
- Regular price
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Winery EclipseVintages2022 / qnt.876Wine type
White | Alc. 12.5% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Kvareli – KuchataniGrape Rkatsiteli 85% · Chardonnay 15%
In Stock 876 -
Eclipse Narnari Tsiskari2022
- Regular price
- €5.08
- Sale price
- €5.08
- Regular price
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- Unit price
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Winery EclipseVintages2022 / qnt.3213Wine type
Semi Dry
White | Alc. 14.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Kvareli – KuchataniGrape RkatsiteliIn Stock 3213 -
Eclipse Tsiskari2021
- Regular price
- €5.08
- Sale price
- €5.08
- Regular price
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Winery EclipseVintages2021 / qnt.8713Wine type
White | Alc. 12.8% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Sagarejo – ManaviGrape Rkatsiteli
In Stock 8713 -
Kitesa's Wine Rkatsiteli Classic2022
- Regular price
- €6.77
- Sale price
- €6.77
- Regular price
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- Unit price
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Winery Kitesa's WineVintages2022 / qnt.800Wine type
White | Alc. 12.2% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Gurjaani – VazisubaniGrape Rkatsiteli
In Stock 800 -
Kitesa's Wine Rkatsiteli Qvevri2022
- Regular price
- €6.77
- Sale price
- €6.77
- Regular price
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- Unit price
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Winery Kitesa's WineVintages2022 / qnt.600Wine type
Amber | Alc. 11.7% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Gurjaani – VazisubaniGrape Rkatsiteli
In Stock 600 -
Flavor of Tibaani Rkatsiteli Kvevri2023
- Regular price
- €5.42
- Sale price
- €5.42
- Regular price
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- Unit price
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Winery Flavor of TibaaniVintages2023 / qnt.4000Wine type
Amber | Alc. 13.5% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Tibaani PDO – TibaaniGrape Rkatsiteli
In Stock 4000 -
KateWine Rkatsiteli Pet Nat2020
- Regular price
- €7.78
- Sale price
- €7.78
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- Unit price
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Winery KateWineVintages2020 / qnt.200Wine type
Sparkling
White | Alc. 11.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Telavi – SanioreGrape Rkatsiteli
In Stock 200 -
KateWine Rkatsiteli2020
- Regular price
- €7.00
- Sale price
- €7.00
- Regular price
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Winery KateWineVintages2020 / qnt.2000Wine type
Amber | Alc. 13.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Telavi – SanioreGrape Rkatsiteli
In Stock 2000 -
Ruispiri Estate Alexauri Rkatsiteli2022
- Regular price
- €8.38
- Sale price
- €8.38
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- Unit price
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Winery Ruispiri EstateVintages2022 / qnt.6500Wine type
White | Alc. 13.4% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Telavi – RuispiriGrape RkatsiteliIn Stock 6500 -
Ruispiri Estate Rkatsiteli Mtsvane Qvevri2021
- Regular price
- €11.73
- Sale price
- €11.73
- Regular price
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- Unit price
- per
Winery Ruispiri EstateVintages2021 / qnt.2000Wine type
Amber | Alc. 12.6% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Signagi – TibaaniGrape Rkatsiteli 70% · Mtsvane 30%
In Stock 2000 -
Ruispiri Estate Rkatsiteli Qvevri2020
- Regular price
- €11.73
- Sale price
- €11.73
- Regular price
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- Unit price
- per
Winery Ruispiri EstateVintages2020 / qnt.2800Wine type
Amber | Alc. 12.6% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Signagi – TibaaniGrape Rkatsiteli
In Stock 2800 -
Avandi Tsarapi2022
- Regular price
- €5.58
- Sale price
- €5.58
- Regular price
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- Unit price
- per
Winery AvandiVintages2022 / qnt.96Wine type
Amber | Alc. 12.5% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Tsarapi PDO – KardanakhiGrape Rkatsiteli
In Stock 96 -
Avandi Rkatsiteli2019
- Regular price
- €4.95
- Sale price
- €4.95
- Regular price
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- Unit price
- per
Winery AvandiVintages2019 / qnt.120Wine type
Amber | Alc. 13.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – GurjaaniGrape Rkatsiteli
In Stock 120 -
Avandi 3 Qvevri2022
- Regular price
- €6.19
- Sale price
- €6.19
- Regular price
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- Unit price
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Winery AvandiVintages2022 / qnt.905Wine type
Amber | Alc. 12.5% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – GurjaaniGrape Rkatsiteli 50% · Khikhvi 30% · Mtsvane 20%
In Stock 905 -
Avandi Adamati Tsinandali2022
- Regular price
- €4.54
- Sale price
- €4.54
- Regular price
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- Unit price
- per
Winery AvandiVintages2022 / qnt.192Wine type
White | Alc. 13.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Tsinandali PDOGrape Rkatsiteli
In Stock 192 -
Utskinari Rkatsiteli2022
- Regular price
- €5.13
- Sale price
- €5.13
- Regular price
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- Unit price
- per
Winery UtskinariVintages2022 / qnt.700Wine type
Amber | Alc. 13.5% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Telavi – KondoliGrape Rkatsiteli
In Stock 700
Amber | Alc. 12.5% | Vol. 750ml
Semi Dry
White | Alc. 13.0% | Vol. 750ml
