Underdog Grape · Georgia

Rkatsiteli

Pronounced ruh-KATS-ee-TELL-eerecorded by Tamari Araviashvili

If you drink Pinot Grigio for the crisp, dry, food-friendly part, Rkatsiteli gives you that plus a spine of acid and a lineage older than written language.

Tasting profile
Green apple and quince with a chalky, citrus-pith bite; the amber versions add dried apricot, black tea, and a grip you can chew on.
Where it grows
Kakheti, Georgia
Explore the Caucasus field guide
Where to buy
For specific bottles and where to buy them, read the deep dive.

Keep exploring

The region

Kakheti, Georgia

If you like

Wines like Rkatsiteli

Rkatsiteli: common questions

What wine is Rkatsiteli similar to?
If you usually drink Pinot Grigio, Rkatsiteli is the underdog swap to try. Other lesser-known grapes in the same style: Mtsvane, Ribolla Gialla, Cesanese.
Read the deep diveRkatsiteli: The 8,000-Year-Old White That Out-Ages Your Pinot Grigio

JOIN THE PACK

Whatever you drink now, there's an underdog you'd like more.

One overlooked wine at a time: what it tastes like, the famous one it can replace, and the catch. Free.

Or peek at ten to start with →