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SKU 841183
$16.92/bottle
Out of stock
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The 2019 Rkatsiteli, from Keuka Lake vines planted variously in 1983, 1983 and 2003, comes in with seven grams of residual sugar, 9.2 of total acidity and 12% alcohol. The acidity pretty much obliterates the sugar here, leaving a crisp and somewhat nervy wine that still has great fruit, even as it seems a little lean on opening. The tension on the finish nicely lifts the fruit and slams it home. Wholly unevolved, this will improve in the bottle over the next year or two, becoming more harmonious. It will also be refreshing in the spring and summer of 2021, as warmer weather rolls into much of the country. This has been an extremely consistent and overachieving value for quite a while, and this is another fine release. With its structure and that screw cap, it should age well, maybe even better than indicated. If it can also develop well, it might turn into an even bigger star.
Rkatsiteli is an ancient white grape variety originating from Georgia, one of the world’s oldest winemaking regions. It has been cultivated for thousands of years and remains widely planted in Georgia, Eastern Europe, and even parts of the United States. Rkatsiteli thrives in cool to moderate climates, producing wines with high acidity and bright, fresh flavors.
What makes Rkatsiteli unique is its versatility and ability to excel in both modern and traditional winemaking styles. In conventional white wines, it offers flavors of green apple, pear, citrus, and floral notes, with crisp acidity and a mineral-driven finish. However, when made in the traditional Georgian qvevri (clay amphora) style, it undergoes extended skin contact, creating an amber wine with a rich, tannic structure and complex notes of dried fruit, honey, nuts, and spice.
Rkatsiteli pairs well with grilled fish, roasted poultry, and Georgian cuisine, making it a fascinating and food-friendly white wine.
Country
United States
Of all the New World wine countries, perhaps the one which has demonstrated the most flair for producing high quality wines - using a combination of traditional and forward-thinking contemporary methods - has been the United States of America. For the past couple of centuries, the United States has set about transforming much of its suitable land into vast vineyards, capable of supporting a wide variety of world-class grape varietals which thrive on both the Atlantic and the Pacific coastlines. Of course, we immediately think of sun-drenched California in regards to American wines, with its enormous vineyards responsible for the New World's finest examples of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot based wines, but many other states have taken to viticulture in a big way, with impressive results. Oregon, Washington State and New York have all developed sophisticated and technologically advanced wine cultures of their own, and the output of U.S wineries is increasing each year as more and more people are converted to their produce.
Region
New York
New York state has a wine history which stretches back to the mid-17th century, when Dutch settlers first began cultivating grape vines in the Hudson Valley. Since then, the wine industry of New York has grown from strength to strength, mixing the old with the new as wineries continue to experiment with modern techniques alongside their traditional heritage. Indeed, certain wineries in New York state hold a claim to being amongst the oldest and most well established in the New World, with at least one dating back over three hundred and fifty years. New York state is responsible for a relatively small range of grape varietals, due to its cooler, damper climate, but many varietals such as Riesling and Seyval Blanc thrive in such conditions and produce wines a of singular quality.
Appellation
Finger Lakes
The Finger Lakes, nestled in upstate New York, is a captivating wine appellation known for its cool climate and exquisite cool-climate wines. What makes the Finger Lakes unique is its focus on aromatic white varieties, primarily Riesling. The deep, glacially formed lakes provide natural temperature moderation, allowing grapes to ripen slowly, preserving acidity and intensifying flavors.
The region’s commitment to sustainable and organic practices adds to its distinctiveness, emphasizing the connection between vineyards and the pristine surroundings. Beyond Riesling, winemakers experiment with cool-climate reds like Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc, showcasing the Finger Lakes' versatility. The welcoming and unpretentious atmosphere of the wineries, set against the backdrop of stunning lakes and rolling hills, completes the Finger Lakes experience. Exploring this American appellation offers wine enthusiasts a delightful journey into the intricacies of cool-climate winemaking and the unique charm of New York's burgeoning wine scene.
WA90pts
Wine Advocate
The 2019 Rkatsiteli, from Keuka Lake vines planted variously in 1983, 1983 and 2003, comes in with seven grams of residual sugar, 9.2 of total acidity and 12% alcohol. The acidity pretty much obliterates the sugar here, leaving a crisp and somewhat nervy wine that still has great fruit, even as it seems a little lean on opening. The tension on the finish nicely lifts the fruit and slams it home. Wholly unevolved, this will improve in the bottle over the next year or two, becoming more harmonious. It will also be refreshing in the spring and summer of 2021, as warmer weather rolls into much of the country. This has been an extremely consistent and overachieving value for quite a while, and this is another fine release. With its structure and that screw cap, it should age well, maybe even better than indicated. If it can also develop well, it might turn into an even bigger star.
Winery Notes
Rkatsiteli starts out tasting something like a Riesling, but lingers longer on the palate, and has a spiciness reminiscent of, but different from, Gewurztraminer, evoking herbs, strawberries, and fresh ground pepper. Try it with salmon or grilled tuna.
