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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Sekhniashvili Winery Rkatsiteli2022
- Regular price
- €10.30
- Sale price
- €10.30
- Regular price
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Winery Sekhniashvili WineryVintages2022 / qnt.1000Wine type
Amber | Alc. 13.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Sagarejo – BadiauriGrape Rkatsiteli
In Stock 1000 -
JAnaani Wine Cellar Manaseli Quvee2022
- Regular price
- €7.94
- Sale price
- €7.94
- Regular price
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Winery JAnaani Wine CellarVintages2022 / qnt.350Wine type
Red | Alc. 13.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Telavi – RuispiriGrape Rkatsiteli 55% · Mtsvane 15% · Saperavi 15% · Zhghia 15%
In Stock 350 -
JAnaani Wine Cellar Rkatsiteli - Mtsvane2022
- Regular price
- €16.52
- Sale price
- €16.52
- Regular price
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Winery JAnaani Wine CellarVintages2022 / qnt.250Wine type
Amber | Alc. 13.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Telavi – RuispiriGrape Rkatsiteli 85% · Mtsvane 15%
In Stock 250 -
JAnaani Wine Cellar Rkatsiteli2022
- Regular price
- €11.90
- Sale price
- €11.90
- Regular price
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- Unit price
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Winery JAnaani Wine CellarVintages2022 / qnt.350Wine type
Amber | Alc. 13.2% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Telavi – RuispiriGrape RkatsiteliIn Stock 350 -
Rotcho's Vineyards Rkatsiteli2021
- Regular price
- €11.62
- Sale price
- €11.62
- Regular price
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Winery Rotcho's VineyardsVintages2021 / qnt.200Wine type
Amber | Alc. 13.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – KvareliGrape Rkatsiteli
In Stock 200 -
Ibero Winery Rkatsiteli20232022
- Regular price
- €7.95
- Sale price
- €7.95
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Winery Ibero WineryVintages2023 / qnt.20002022 / qnt.500Wine type
Amber | Alc. 12.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Gurjaani – VachnadzianiGrape RkatsiteliIn Stock 2500 -
Shakriani Estate D,Onises Rkatsiteli2022
- Regular price
- €7.23
- Sale price
- €7.23
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Winery Shakriani EstateVintages2022 / qnt.680Wine type
Amber | Alc. 13.5% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Kvareli – ShakrianiGrape Rkatsiteli
In Stock 680 -
Naperebi Rkatsiteli2023
- Regular price
- €14.46
- Sale price
- €14.46
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- Unit price
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Winery NaperebiVintages2023 / qnt.600Wine type
Amber | Alc. 13.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Kvareli – ShildaGrape RkatsiteliIn Stock 600 -
Naperebi Kisi - Rkatsiteli2021
- Regular price
- €14.46
- Sale price
- €14.46
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- Unit price
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Winery NaperebiVintages2021 / qnt.500Wine type
Amber | Alc. 13.5% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Kvareli – ShildaGrape Kisi 50% · Rkatsiteli 50%In Stock 500 -
Kizikuri Tradiciuli Rkatsiteli2020
- Regular price
- €10.06
- Sale price
- €10.06
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Winery Kizikuri TradiciuliVintages2020 / qnt.250Wine type
Amber | Alc. 12.5% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Dedoplistskaro – DedoplistskaroGrape Rkatsiteli
In Stock 250 -
Enophea Rkatsiteli Kondoli2018
- Regular price
- €9.98
- Sale price
- €9.98
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Winery EnopheaVintages2018 / qnt.440Wine type
Amber | Alc. 13.5% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Telavi – KondoliGrape RkatsiteliIn Stock 440 -
Enophea Rkatsiteli2019
- Regular price
- €9.98
- Sale price
- €9.98
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- Unit price
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Winery EnopheaVintages2019 / qnt.550Wine type
Amber | Alc. 12.5% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Telavi – PshaveliGrape RkatsiteliIn Stock 550 -
Enophea Rkatsiteli Oak2019
- Regular price
- €9.98
- Sale price
- €9.98
- Regular price
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- Unit price
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Winery EnopheaVintages2019 / qnt.600Wine type
Amber | Alc. 12.5% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Telavi – PshaveliGrape RkatsiteliIn Stock 600 -
Rachisubani Iremashvili Vineyards Rkatsiteli2023
- Regular price
- €7.17
- Sale price
- €7.17
- Regular price
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- Unit price
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Winery Rachisubani Iremashvili VineyardsVintages2023 / qnt.100Wine type
Amber | Alc. 12.5% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kartli – Bolnisi PDO – RachisubaniGrape Rkatsiteli
In Stock 100 -
Chito's Gvino Rkatsiteli - Mtsvane2022
- Regular price
- €10.71
- Sale price
- €10.71
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- Unit price
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Winery Chito's GvinoVintages2022 / qnt.150Wine type
Amber | Alc. 12.5% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Gurjaani – VachnadzianiGrape Rkatsiteli 85% · Mtsvane 15%In Stock 150 -
Chito's Gvino Rkatsiteli2022
- Regular price
- €9.92
- Sale price
- €9.92
- Regular price
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- Unit price
- per
Winery Chito's GvinoVintages2022 / qnt.100Wine type
Amber | Alc. 13.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Gurjaani – VachnadzianiGrape RkatsiteliIn Stock 100 -
Tilisma Winery Rosé Qvevri2022
- Regular price
- €11.94
- Sale price
- €11.94
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- Unit price
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Winery Tilisma WineryVintages2022 / qnt.250Wine type
Rose | Alc. 14.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Gurjaani – Velistsikhe · MukuzaniGrape Saperavi · Rkatsiteli · MtsvaneIn Stock 250 -
Tilisma Winery Rkatsiteli Qvevri2022
- Regular price
- €11.94
- Sale price
- €11.94
- Regular price
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- Unit price
- per
Winery Tilisma WineryVintages2022 / qnt.500Wine type
Amber | Alc. 14.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Gurjaani – VelistsikheGrape RkatsiteliIn Stock 500 -
Tilisma Winery Pet Nat Rosé2022
- Regular price
- €15.93
- Sale price
- €15.93
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Winery Tilisma WineryVintages2022 / qnt.200Wine type
Sparkling
Rose | Alc. 11.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Gurjaani – Velistsikhe · MukuzaniGrape Saperavi · Rkatsiteli · MtsvaneIn Stock 200 -
Khvtisia Wine Pet Nat Rkatsiteli - Mtsvane2023
- Regular price
- €13.72
- Sale price
- €13.72
- Regular price
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- Unit price
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Winery Khvtisia WineVintages2023 / qnt.200Wine type
Sparkling
White | Alc. 11.5% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Akhoebi PDO – KardanakhiGrape Rkatsiteli 70% · Mtsvane 30%In Stock 200
Amber | Alc. 13.0% | Vol. 750ml
Red | Alc. 13.0% | Vol. 750ml
Rose | Alc. 14.0% | Vol. 750ml
Sparkling
White | Alc. 11.5% | Vol. 750ml