Chitistvala

Chitistvala is a lesser-known local grape variety that produces high-quality white table and dessert wines. It is primarily found in Kakheti, especially in Gurjaani, Telavi, and Sighnaghi, and is often interplanted with Mtsvane and Rkatsiteli. Morphologically, Chitistvala resembles several key varieties: its leaf shape and bunch are similar to Rkatsiteli, its coating and coloring to Mtsvane, and its berry shape and taste to Khikhvi. This suggests a possible shared ancestry or natural hybridization with these varieties. Historically more widespread, Chitistvala's cultivation has declined due to low resistance to phylloxera.