Winemaker Notes
This 2023 Rkatsiteli from Dr. Konstantin Frank offers a captivating blend of tropical and orchard fruit notes. The nose is vibrant with aromas of ripe nectarine, juicy apricot, and refreshing pineapple, complemented by a subtle hint of grass. On the palate, flavors of honeydew melon emerge, adding a luscious texture. The wine is well-balanced, with a crisp acidity that keeps it lively and fresh. Enjoy this Rkatsiteli chilled to fully appreciate its complex yet harmonious profile. A great alternative for Sauvignon Blanc drinkers.
Pair with Soft cheeses like brie or camembert. Seafood dishes like grilled shrimp, white fish, or sushi, as the wine's acidity and fruity notes will complement. Light and refreshing salads with fruits like mango or peach with a citrus dressing to pair similar flavors. The lower alcohol of this wine can help balance the spice in Thai or Indian cuisine. This wine would also pair well with chicken dishes, whether grilled or roasted.
Cultivated in the Republic of Georgia for millennia, Rkatsiteli is an ancient grape that remains today the country’s most ubiquitous and popular white wine variety. It is important as well in many former Soviet-aligned countries where its cold-hardiness allows it to survive extreme winters and the grape’s inherent high acidity prevents over ripening in hot summers. Somm Secret—The climate of the Finger Lakes, New York is so similar to the wine regions of Georgia, that the conditions have inspired significant plantings there.
As the most historic wine-producing region in New York state, winemaking in the Finger Lakes area dates back to the 1820s and today as a region, accounts for 90% of the state’s total wine production.
Its narrow and deep lakes created by the movement of Ice Age glaciers create an environment similar to the classic Riesling-loving regions of Europe, namely Germany and Austria. The Finger Lakes retain summer heat that incidentally warms up cold winter air, making it fall down from the lakes’ steep slopes. When spring comes, the lakes, already cooled by cold winter weather, stave off vine budding until the danger of frost has subsided. The main lakes of the zone, that is those big enough to moderate the climate in this way, are the focal points of prime vineyard areas. They include Canandaigua, Keuka, Seneca and Cayuga.
While Riesling has fueled most of the region’s success, today Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc enjoy some attention.