The Wine Reference🍷 SupportRkatsiteli grape
Rkatsiteli is a white grape known for apple, citrus, honey. Its best-known homes are Georgia.
Origin and history
One of the oldest grapes in Georgia, from the Kakheti region; its name means 'red stem'.
Where it grows
Georgia (Kakheti), plus Ukraine, Moldova, Bulgaria, Armenia, Russia and the Finger Lakes in New York.
Structure
Medium to full body with high acidity; dry, from crisp and fresh to amber, tannic skin-contact styles.
Aromas, young and aged
Young: green apple, quince, lemon and white flowers. With age or skin contact: honey, dried fruit, nuts and tea.
Ageing
Fresh styles are best within 1–3 years; qvevri amber wines can age 10+ years.
Also known as
Rkaziteli.
Good to know
Fermented and aged on its skins in buried clay qvevri, it makes Georgia's famous amber wines, a method on UNESCO's heritage list.
Wine regions for Rkatsiteli
Rkatsiteli wines to try
Real bottles from The Wine Library.
Pheasant's Tears Rkatsiteli
Amber wine made in qvevri: dried apricot, tea, walnut and grippy tannins.
Food: Khachapuri, roast chicken, walnut dishes
Similar white grapes
Explore all grapes in the interactive guide
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