Rkatsiteli
Share
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Tilisma Winery Rosé Qvevri2022
- Regular price
- €11.94
- Sale price
- €11.94
- Regular price
-
- Unit price
- per
Winery Tilisma WineryVintages2022 / qnt.250Wine type
Rose | Alc. 14.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Gurjaani – Velistsikhe · MukuzaniGrape Saperavi · Rkatsiteli · Mtsvane
In Stock 250 -
Tilisma Winery Rkatsiteli Qvevri2022
- Regular price
- €11.94
- Sale price
- €11.94
- Regular price
-
- Unit price
- per
Winery Tilisma WineryVintages2022 / qnt.500Wine type
Amber | Alc. 14.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Gurjaani – VelistsikheGrape Rkatsiteli
In Stock 500 -
Tilisma Winery Pet Nat Rosé2022
- Regular price
- €15.93
- Sale price
- €15.93
- Regular price
-
- Unit price
- per
Winery Tilisma WineryVintages2022 / qnt.200Wine type
Sparkling
Rose | Alc. 11.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Gurjaani – Velistsikhe · MukuzaniGrape Saperavi · Rkatsiteli · Mtsvane
In Stock 200 -
Khvtisia Wine Pet Nat Rkatsiteli - Mtsvane2023
- Regular price
- €13.72
- Sale price
- €13.72
- Regular price
-
- Unit price
- per
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 -
Khvtisia Wine Rkatsiteli No Skin2023
- Regular price
- €13.72
- Sale price
- €13.72
- Regular price
-
- Unit price
- per
Winery Khvtisia WineVintages2023 / qnt.200Wine type
White | Alc. 13.9% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Gurjaani – KardanakhiGrape Rkatsiteli
In Stock 200 -
Khvtisia Wine Rkatsiteli20222021
- Regular price
- €11.76
- Sale price
- €11.76
- Regular price
-
- Unit price
- per
Winery Khvtisia WineVintages2022 / qnt.6002021 / qnt.800Wine type
Amber | Alc. 13.6% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Gurjaani – KardanakhiGrape Rkatsiteli
In Stock 1400 -
Tsero Wine Rkatsiteli2022
- Regular price
- €7.83
- Sale price
- €7.83
- Regular price
-
- Unit price
- per
Winery Tsero WineVintages2022 / qnt.110Wine type
Amber | Alc. 13.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Gurjaani – VazisubaniGrape RkatsiteliIn Stock 110 -
Qvevriseuli Rkatsiteli2020
- Regular price
- €7.84
- Sale price
- €7.84
- Regular price
-
- Unit price
- per
Winery QvevriseuliVintages2020 / qnt.400Wine type
Amber | Alc. 13.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Sagarejo – KakabetiGrape Rkatsiteli
In Stock 400 -
Ghvenakhe Kotsakhura202320222021
- Regular price
- €19.70
- Sale price
- €19.70
- Regular price
-
- Unit price
- per
Winery GhvenakheVintages2023 / qnt.20002022 / qnt.2602021 / qnt.250Wine type
Amber | Alc. 13.8% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Telavi – BushetiGrape Rkatsiteli 60% · Mtsvane 35% · Saperavi 5%
In Stock 2510 -
Iases Marani Rkatsiteli - Mtsvane Qvevri2020
- Regular price
- €9.02
- Sale price
- €9.02
- Regular price
-
- Unit price
- per
Winery Iases MaraniVintages2020 / qnt.200Wine type
Amber | Alc. 12.5% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Sagarejo – KakabetiGrape Rkatsiteli 70% · Mtsvane 30%
In Stock 200 -
Iases Marani Rkatsiteli2020
- Regular price
- €9.81
- Sale price
- €9.81
- Regular price
-
- Unit price
- per
Winery Iases MaraniVintages2020 / qnt.1000Wine type
Amber | Alc. 14.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Sagarejo – KakabetiGrape Rkatsiteli
In Stock 1000 -
Papunas Marani Rkatsiteli2023
- Regular price
- €9.81
- Sale price
- €9.81
- Regular price
-
- Unit price
- per
Winery Papunas MaraniVintages2023 / qnt.800Wine type
Amber | Alc. 12.5% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Kvareli – SanavardoGrape Rkatsiteli 60% · Mtsvane 40%
In Stock 800 -
Orta Rkatsiteli20232022
- Regular price
- €9.80
- Sale price
- €9.80
- Regular price
-
- Unit price
- per
Winery OrtaVintages2023 / qnt.13002022 / qnt.250Wine type
Amber | Alc. 13.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Telavi – ShalauriGrape Rkatsiteli
In Stock 1550 -
Zhuka-Sano Wine 3/472022Sold Out
- Regular price
- €11.78
- Sale price
- €11.78
- Regular price
-
- Unit price
- per
Winery Zhuka-Sano WineVintages2022 / qnt.0Sold OutWine type
Rose | Alc. 12.5% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Telavi – RuispiriGrape Rkatsiteli 94% · Ikaltos Tsiteli 6%
-
Zhuka-Sano Wine Mistake2022Sold Out
- Regular price
- €11.78
- Sale price
- €11.78
- Regular price
-
- Unit price
- per
Winery Zhuka-Sano WineVintages2022 / qnt.0Sold OutWine type
Amber | Alc. 12.0% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Telavi – RuispiriGrape Rkatsiteli 90% · Ikaltos Tsiteli 10%
-
Bostogana Rkatsiteli2022
- Regular price
- €8.44
- Sale price
- €8.44
- Regular price
-
- Unit price
- per
Winery BostoganaVintages2022 / qnt.4000Wine type
Amber | Alc. 12.5% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Tibaani PDO – TibaaniGrape Rkatsiteli
In Stock 4000 -
Dano Winery Nona's Sunny wine2024Pre-Order2022Sold Out
- Regular price
- €7.78
- Sale price
- €7.78
- Regular price
-
- Unit price
- per
Winery Dano WineryVintages2024 / qnt.700Pre-Order2022 / qnt.0Sold OutWine type
Amber | Alc. 13.4% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Signagi – KhornabujiGrape Rkatsiteli · Grdzelmtevana · Mtsvane · Buera
In Stock 700 -
Dano Winery Khornabuji Qvevri Rkatsiteli2024Pre-Order2022Sold Out
- Regular price
- €7.78
- Sale price
- €7.78
- Regular price
-
- Unit price
- per
Winery Dano WineryVintages2024 / qnt.500Pre-Order2022 / qnt.0Sold OutWine type
Amber | Alc. 13.1% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Signagi – KhornabujiGrape Rkatsiteli
In Stock 500 -
Janiashvili Estate Rkatsiteli2022
- Regular price
- €7.68
- Sale price
- €7.68
- Regular price
-
- Unit price
- per
Winery Janiashvili EstateVintages2022 / qnt.1000Wine type
Amber | Alc. 12.5% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Gurjaani – KalauriGrape Rkatsiteli
In Stock 1000 -
Pkhovalley Rkatsiteli2020
- Regular price
- €9.71
- Sale price
- €9.71
- Regular price
-
- Unit price
- per
Winery PkhovalleyVintages2020 / qnt.450Wine type
Amber | Alc. 12.6% | Vol. 750ml
Terroir Kakheti – Gurjaani – PkhoveliGrape Rkatsiteli
In Stock 450
Rose | Alc. 14.0% | Vol. 750ml
Amber | Alc. 14.0% | Vol. 750ml
Sparkling
White | Alc. 11.5% | Vol. 750ml
