Rkatsiteli (Pronounced "rkah-tsee-tely"; Georgian რქაწითელი; literally "red stem") is a kind of grape used to produce white wine.
History
This ancient vinifera originates in Georgia and is one of the oldest grape varieties. In Georgia, clay vessels were found with seeds of Rkatsiteli grapes which date back to 3000 BC.
Rkatsiteli was popular in the Soviet Union prior to its fall and at one point was responsible for more the 18% of all Soviet wine production. There it was used to make everything from table wine to liqueurs to Sherry-like fortified wine. Prior to President Gorbachev's vine pull scheme, it was possibly the world's most widely planted white wine grape.
In Kakheti it was particularly known for its sweetdessert wines fashioned in the same manner as port wine. There were many attempts to create a sparkling wine from the grape but its naturally high alcohol levels prevented it from being much of a success. It is still preferred in Russia.
B. RodellOh, orange wine, how I adore thee ... They look, well, orange, and they taste pretty odd ... Alaverdi Monastery's Rkatsiteli is hardly an entry-level orange wine ... The Rkatsiteli is made in clay pots, and is extremely tannic -- usually a trait reserved for red wines ... Alaverdi Monastery Cellar Rkatsiteli 2010 is available from SilverlakeWine for $26 ... .
2008 Rkatsiteli – Horton Vineyard – Monticello, VA ... And if you'd like to see reviews of other East Coast Wines just head on over to ECoast Wines Rating for 2008 Rkatsiteli. ... Charlottesville white wine Rkatsiteli Horton Virginia ReportPrintEmail Read full bio Get my ...
By Craig LaBan. Inquirer Restaurant Critic I have a weakness for unpronounceable white wines such as Txakoli and Edelzwicker-if only because they give wannabe wine snobs a tongue-twisting pause ... Rkatsiteli ... Konstantin Frank ... The higher-end "Dr ... Rkatsiteli, Dr ... .