Daveste Rkatsiteli — Wine Review

To finish up our last wine review of the North Carolina Wine & Grape Month, we decided to finish with one of the oldest grape varietals known to man-kind, Rkatsiteli.  The Daveste Rkatsiteli from Davesté Vineyards, is one of only a handful of vineyards in the US that grow and produce a wine from the grape.  Rkatsiteli is a grape originating from Georgia (the country, not the state) where it is a fairly common grape.  The grape reportedly dates back to 3000 B.C. making it one of the oldest grapes that have been cultivated for wine making purposes.  The pale skinned grape produces a white wine ranging from dry to sweet.  Some European countries even produce Port, Sherry, and dessert style wines from the same grape. 

The approach they take with this wine results in a dry wine, light in acids and full of flavor.  In the glass the wine is a pale lemon yellow, only a few shades darker than water and just as clear.  The nose offers a trace of lemon zest laced with citrus notes.  There is something hidden beneath the citrus overtones, perhaps a slight roasted nutty aroma.

The flavors are bright cheerful.  The initial burst of citrus yields to a mild acid structure which lingers on the tongue.  As it sits, the flavors develop into a light honey note fading into a light floral complex mid-palate.  The lingering finish of this wine leave the mouth cleanly and ready for the next sip.

The Daveste Rkatsiteli is one of our favorite white wines at Daveste.  Part of its charm is that it is so unique.  If you’re nearby, you need to pick up a bottle or two to enjoy.  The winery is located just a quick drive off I-77 in Troutman, NC.

[su_gmap address=”Daveste Vineyards, Troutman, NC”]

Check out our other NC Wine Month postings:

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