Vazisubani Estate Rkatsiteli 2018

THE WINERY

Vazisubani Estate dates back to the 19th century and traces from one of Georgia’s most storied and cherished family lines, Chavchavadze. The Estate has been meticulously restored over the last decade, emerging in to a premier wine-tourism destination built around the palace, gardens, winery, marani (wine cellar) and 35 hectares of estate vineyards.

THE WINEMAKING

Under management of one of Georgia’s premier wine makers, grapes are hand harvested early morning, partially-destemmed and placed in qvevri on full skins for 8 months, aged in qvevri for another 2-3months, followed by SS Tanks at 18 C (64F) for 12 to 18 months until bottled.

THE WINE:

Made according to traditional Georgian methods, This moderate amber dry wine has characteristically intense dried fruit overtones, fried nuts and honey. Its body is rich of tannins and offers modest aftertaste.

THE VINEYARD & GRAPE

Estate-grown grapes are sourced from the Vazisubani PDO, on the right bank of the Alazani River in the Kakheti region. Vines are planted 1500- 1800feet elevation. Top soil is 14-16inches, black to loamy; Sub-soil is white clay with stony structure laying on a limestone strata with carbonated enclaves.

Rkatsiteli ‘rik-kat-si-tell-ee’ is one of the ‘mother grapes’ of Georgian ampelography, and among the oldest known vinifera varieties. Hearty and high in acidity, it is used in an endless variety of wine styles and even brandies. It is most prized, however, in the traditional qvevri context used for this wine, producing dry, structured and age-able amber wines with piney, nutty and honeyed dried-fruit flavors.