Tsikhelishvili Wines Rkatsiteli Kakheti, Georgian Republic 2019

Producer: Alex Tsikhelishvili

Grapes: Rkatsiteli

Where: Akhmeta, Kahketi

Country: Georgia

Taste: Strong amber, gold reflections. Delicately chalky herbal spices, candied orange zest, nuances of quince jelly, floral nuances, some guava and ripe kiwi in the background. Powerful, also subtle vegetal hints, present, integrated tannins, fine acidity, nutty touch, some sweetness in the aftertaste, has good length.

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A natural wine made in Kakheti with Rkatsiteli grapes, which are aged for 6 months on skin in Georgian Qvevri. 100% old vine Rkatsiteli from the Akhmeta PDO in Kakheti 550-600 meters above sea level. Alex Tsikhelishvili made up to 4000 bottes a year from grapes grooown in 2.5 hn single vineyard. Vines are old and treated by hand. Grapes are gently hand-picked at harvest. Alex Tsikhelishvili only makes wine in the ancient Georgian way in Kvevri with long, 6 months maceration on skins and stems. Only indigenous yeast was used during the vinification. Low yield, old, dry farmed vineyard gives strong, firmly structured wine rich in body with robust but pleasant tannins. One can find flavors of honey, nuts, spices, citrus, apricot and dried fruits. The color is deep amber to tawny.