Rkatsiteli

(aka. Rkatziteli, Rkatsiteii, R-Kat)

Not widely known about in western markets, this ancient white grape variety is broadly distributed across eastern European vineyards – mostly in former Soviet states like the Ukraine and Bulgaria. Its accepted origin is in Georgia’s Caucasus Mountains bordering Armenia and Turkey. Here, the grape is known as Rkatsiteii and it still dominates wine production, accounting for up to half of the total volume of this most historic of wine producing nations.

Rkatsiteli yields good sugar levels in cold climates and has a high natural acidity. It makes noticeably acidic but balanced white wines with a full flavor profile and good body. Relatively floral and spicy aromatics are somewhat reminiscent of Gewürztraminer and Riesling, and a lively spritz on the tongue adds to the appealing character of this quality grape variety.

Rkatsiteli also has great utility in the spirit loving Russian market, where it agreeably vinifies into sweet, fortified, and oxidized sherry-like Read more »

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Popular Rkatsiteli wines

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Popular Regions for Rkatsiteli View all

  • New York

    Though the first successful North American wine production is often credited to California, New...

  • Keuka Lake

  • Kakheti

    Kakheti - the region in Georgia (it is not an USA state, but very old state on Caucasus). Traditi...

  • New Jersey

    The Garden State’s wine-producing history spans well over 200 years. New Jersey wines have been w...

  • Massachusetts

    The state of Massachusetts hosts more than a dozen wineries, scattered from its western end to th...

  • Georgia

    Wine has been produced in what is now called the Republic of Georgia for thousands of years, ma...

  • Outer Coastal Plain

    The Outer Coastal Plain American Viticultural Area (AVA) covers over 2.25 million acres in Southe...

  • Finger Lakes

      The Finger Lakes wine region in upstate New York is centered around the Canandaigua (meani...

  • USA

    "American Wine" has existed since the first Europeans brought their vinous heritage and tradition...

Popular Wineries using Rkatsiteli

  • Martha Clara Vineyards

    In 1978, the Entenmann family agreed to sell their family company and move on to greener pastures...

  • Shalestone Vineyards

    Established: 1995 Owners: Rob Thomas and Kate Thomas Vineyards: 6.5 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon...

  • Pellegrini Family Vineyards

    The Pellegrini Family traces its heritage in winemaking to the early 1900s when brothers Nello an...

  • Benmarl Winery

    Wine has become very important to Americans. We are becoming a country of mealtime wine consumers...

  • Millbrook Winery

    John S. Dyson is a pioneer in the global wine industry, an innovator in site-specific planting...

  • Bedell Cellars

    Bedell Cellars is among the oldest and most prestigious wineries on the North Fork of Long Island...

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Rkatsiteli on Snooth

  • I am a recent transplant from Maryland to Ohio with an enthusiastic interest in all things wine. Drinking, making, selling, etc. I have friends who own a winery in Maryland, and I used to volunteer for them at festivals throughout the year. I am an Event Designer, so wine is often a topic of conversation. In fact, I'm putting together a wine din... Read More

    Forum post in the topic Hello Snooth!


  • Bacon Hollow Revenuers' Select NV

    Snoothrank:

    This a non-vintage Rkatsiteli wine from Virginia. Pale straw in color. Fruit hints of grapefruit and lemon with a hint of carmel. It has a semi-sweet finish on the palette and low acidity. Best served chilled to 46 degrees, and served with a spicy thai dish. Read More

    Wine review by alanb1108


  • I'm making a lasagne bolognese for a dinner party (the whole deal from scratch, including pasta) and I want to get an interesting Italian red to pair with it. I'd love to get a Barolo but the cost is a bit prohibitive...I'm like to keep it at about 15 a bottle or less.Also maybe a light Italian white to have with appetizers. Unfortunately I live... Read More

    Forum post in the topic Italian dinner party


  • Nikala Alazani Valley Semi-Sweet White NV

    Snoothrank:

    No written review

    Wine review by martins2002


  • Badagoni Alazani Valley Semi-Sweet White 2008

    Snoothrank:

    No written review

    Wine review by martins2002


  • Been drinking  a lot more Spanish whites lately due to the fact that the weather has picked up here in the UK. I know I'm a little biased when it comes to Spanish wine but  I've noticed there has been a lot more choice.Albarino ( Rias Baixas) is perhaps the most well known and widely available being Spains Signature white wine but Verdejo and Vi... Read More

    Forum post in the topic Spanish Whites


  • Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars Rkatsiteli 2004

    Snoothrank:

    Crisp and sassy with a bit of a tropical finish. Wonderful! Read More

    Wine review by Wendy Crispell


  • Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars Rkatsiteli 2004

    Snoothrank:

    No written review

    Wine review by Wendy Crispell


  • Dr Frank Rkatsiteli 2008

    Snoothrank:

    No written review

    Wine review by Wendy Crispell


  • Pheasant's Tears Rkatsiteli 2009

    Snoothrank:

    Go ahead, just try it! Mouthwatering acidity, long lean finish.... Read More

    Wine review by Wendy Crispell


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