Tbilvino Qvevris Rkatsiteli 2021

Enjoy it now, or cellar for a few years. No need to decant before serving. This amber Rkatsiteli wine begins with an aromatic bouquet of white flowers, tropical fruits, quince, and other orchard fruits. It was crafted using the traditional Georgian method of qvevri, using grapes from 18-year-old vines in the majestic region of Kakheti. Slight notes of clay and beeswax can also be detected, from the clay qvevri pots. Tbilvino is one of the largest and most important wineries in Georgia, producing 29 types of wine and 3 types of Georgian brandy. Their “Qvevris Rkatsiteli” is an excellent place to start exploring amber wine. Despite the winery’s immense popularity, it only started to cultivate vineyards in 2014, and now draws fruits from over 400 hectares of land, spread across some of Georgia’s most famous appellations. The palate is elegant and intense, packed with complex flavours of peach, apricot, and quince, mingling with background notes of buckwheat honey and walnut. It contains small amounts of lively acidity and is incredibly easy to drink. Slight hints of tannin appear on the front palate, evoking a strongly brewed cup of Earl Grey tea. The finish is long and refreshing, with an interesting mineral edge. Consider pairing Rkatsiteli with barbecued lamb, goat's cheese salad, or seafood.