WTN: Rkatsiteli

Tbilvino Rkatsiteli 2008 - Georgia, Kakheti

8,98€; 12,5% abv; 100% Rkatsiteli. A fun little wine. It seems a bit leesy and has some crisp, appley aromas, too - it seems a little like Muscadet except without such strong minerality. Though the grape is known for its high and even harsh acidity, this example didn't seem terribly high in acid; but it is sufficiently crisp to balance the ripe fruit. It is a very pleasant drop, but it does seem a little bit easy and commercial. I was expecting and wishing for a more unique profile of this grape.

[James Roscoe]

You are a brave man. Most of the ones I have tried have had an aroma of pine cleanser and a taste to match.

It has been my experience with the Finger Lakes versions (mainly Dr. Frank's) that Rkatsitell is neither excessively acidic or pine cleaner-like. Perhaps you have had only some poorly made versions? In ripe vintages it strikes me as somewhat floral and somewhat soft. Not a bad grape but not one to make me forget about Riesling or other favorites.