Georgia stands as one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world, boasting a remarkable diversity of over 500 indigenous grape varieties. Among these, Rkatsiteli grapes shine as one of the most celebrated and widely recognized.
The name Rkatsiteli (რქაწითელი in Georgian) translates to “red stem” or “red horned,” reflecting its unique characteristics. This grape variety hails from the picturesque Alazani Valley in the eastern Kakheti Region and is renowned for its integral role in crafting some of the highest-quality Georgian wines, including both classic international and traditional Kakhetian-style white table wines.
Research conducted by the Institute of Viticulture and Enology suggests that the Rkatsiteli grape likely originated in the Kakhi village within the historic Saingilo Region. Here, old, uncultivated vineyards filled with these remarkable grapes still thrive, although the precise date of their origin remains elusive due to the scarcity of information regarding Georgia’s agricultural history prior to the 13th century.
Rkatsiteli grapes are known by various names in literary sources related to viticulture, with these names often reflecting the different regions where they are cultivated. While primarily found in Kakheti, Rkatsiteli also grows in the Bolnisi-Marneuli area, Kartli, and, to a lesser extent, in the Imereti and Racha-Lechkhumi regions. Beyond Georgia, Rkatsiteli has gained popularity in neighboring countries such as Azerbaijan, Armenia, Russia, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan, as well as in several Eastern European nations, including Ukraine, Romania, and Moldova.
The juice extracted from Rkatsiteli grapes boasts an exceptional chemical composition, featuring a high concentration of sugar—sometimes reaching up to 30%—while maintaining an ideal acidity level that rarely dips below 5. This remarkable ability to sustain a favorable sugar-to-acidity ratio from the earliest stages of growth until near maturity has solidified Rkatsiteli’s status as the primary industrial grape variety in Kakheti.
Rkatsiteli grapes are also notable for their adaptability to various environmental conditions and their impressive frost resistance. Thanks to their robust nature and remarkable flexibility, they are frequently utilized in the production of high-quality dry wines, as well as exquisite dessert wines.
While Saperavi may be celebrated as Georgia’s most popular red wine, Rkatsiteli holds the title of the country’s most cherished white wine. The finest Rkatsiteli wines are crafted in their native Kakheti, where the type and quality can vary significantly due to diverse growing zones and specific grape varieties. Two major zones within Inner Kakheti are identified: the eastern side of the Alazani Valley, along the northeastern slopes of the Tsiv Gombori Ridge, and the western side of the Alazani, where vineyards flourish on the southern slopes of the main Caucasus ridge.
Wines produced from Rkatsiteli grapes are characterized by their golden-green hue, gentle and harmonious flavor profile, and light body. They are celebrated for their fullness, fruity aroma, and a subtle yet pleasant bitterness. A must-try for any visitor to Georgia is Rkatsiteli wine aged in traditional qvevri—clay vessels that enhance the wine’s unique qualities. Among the most popular Rkatsiteli wines are those from Kondoli, Tsinandali, Kisiskhevi, Kvemo Khodasheni, Vazisubani, and Mukuzani.