Vachnadziani Rkatsiteli 2024

Some of the world's oldest grape varieties are found in this small Caucasian nation and of which the country's wine producers are fiercely proud. This bright and vivacious white is made from Rkatsiteli (pronounce it 'Ree-katsy-telly'), a grape that's capable of retaining a good crisp acidity despite the hot summer temperatures that can be reached in the eastern region of Kakheti. After a cool, temperature controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks the wine was made in an unoaked style which best preserves the charactersitics of the Rkatsiteli variety. Pale straw in colour, with lively aromas of yellow and exotic tropical fruits this is a refreshing and easy-drinking wine with a lovely aromatic finish.

Light and fresh this makes a great aperitif and is also a good partner to grilled white fish, seafood, or salads.

Georgia, situated between the Black Sea and the Caucasus mountains, has, possibly, the longest history of vine cultivation and wine making of any country in the world. And since emerging from the Soviet era in the late 1990's the country's wines are now becoming familiar sights on wine merchant's lists worldwide. Kakheti in eastern Georgia is the most important wine region and it's here where Vachnadziani, in the village of the same name, is found. In 2007, one of the country's larger wineries, Khareba, acquired the estate and invested significantly in modernising its facilities. Led by winemaker Vladimer Kublashvili, they focus on creating wines from indigenous varieties, blending ancient wine culture with modern technology. These are high-quality wines at modest prices.