Kisi Rkatsiteli - Jobava Winery

The Kisi Rkatsiteli - Jobava Winery shimmers in the glass with an intense golden-yellow hue and warm amber highlights. On the nose, it reveals a multifaceted interplay of aromas including fresh lemon, ripe quince and candied orange peel. Behind these are notes of dried apricots, light tea, delicate herbal spice and a hint of toasted nuts, reminiscent of traditionally Qvevri-aged wines.

On the palate, this white wine from Kakheti is clear, precise and powerful. The structure is taut, with lively yet harmoniously integrated acidity and an engaging, slightly grippy tannin structure typical of amphora wines. The texture remains pleasantly crisp while also showing a creamy layer, resulting from extended lees contact. The dry style emphasizes its mineral character, while citrus freshness, stone fruit and delicate spice fill the mouth.

On the long finish, lemon, candied citrus fruit and a delicate earthy note from the sandstone soil combine with a gentle tannic foundation. The Kisi Rkatsiteli - Jobava Winery impressively demonstrates how the indigenous grape varieties Kisi and Rkatsiteli unite tradition and modern interpretation in Kakheti.

• Origin: Kakheti, Kindzmarauli subregion, Georgia
• Grape varieties: Kisi, Rkatsiteli (grape variety blend)
• Vinification: Qvevri and amphora, sur lie with bottle ageing
• Style: Old World, warm-climate wine-growing region, characterful and terroir-driven
• Alcohol content: 13.0% vol
• Texture: crisp, with clear structure and grippy tannins

1. Intense golden-yellow color with amber highlights
2. Aromas of lemon, dried stone fruit, herbs and nuts
3. Dry, mineral, with lively acidity and a long finish
4. Traditional amphora ageing for maximum depth and complexity

Production of the Kisi Rkatsiteli by Jobava Winery

The grapes for the Kisi Rkatsiteli - Jobava Winery come from the renowned Kakheti region, more precisely from the Kindzmarauli subregion in eastern Georgia. The warm continental climate provides long, sun-rich growing seasons with cool nights, giving the grapes an impressive concentration of aromas. The vines are deeply rooted in sandstone soils, which lend the wine a finely spiced, mineral character and clear structure.

The grapes are selectively hand-harvested, with optimally ripe bunches transported intact to the winery in small containers. A second selection then takes place to ensure that only the finest fruit is used for ageing in Qvevri and amphorae. Traditionally, the grapes remain on their skins for a defined period, bringing out the color, tannins and distinctive depth of this Georgian white wine style.

Ageing in Qvevri, the clay amphorae buried in the ground, forms the centerpiece of the vinification. In this porous natural material, the must ferments spontaneously on the grape skins. The wine then matures sur lie, on its fine lees, giving it additional complexity, fullness and a slightly creamy texture. Subsequent bottle ageing softens the tannins and sharpens the multilayered aromatic profile.

Jobava Winery stands for a consciously traditional yet precisely balanced style. The winemaker's signature is evident in the combination of ancient Qvevri tradition and meticulous cellar work. The fruit remains clear, the spice is multilayered, and the influence of the sandstone soil is distinctly perceptible. The result is a characterful white wine that expresses its origin authentically while also appearing modern and sophisticated.

Serving Recommendations for the Kisi Rkatsiteli by Jobava Winery

This Georgian white wine pairs just as harmoniously with light and hearty dishes as it does with sweet-and-spicy cuisine. Its structure and grippy tannic character complement richly aromatic compositions exceptionally well. Particularly appealing combinations arise with regional specialties as well as modern cuisine.

• Light and hearty dishes such as roasted poultry, veal or spicy pork variations
• Sweet-and-spicy dishes such as Oriental couscous dishes, dishes with a honey glaze, soy sauce or teriyaki
• Mature hard cheese, aged goat cheese and mild, spicy blue cheese varieties
• Marinated vegetable dishes, oven-roasted vegetables with herbs, mushroom risotto or savory quiches

For special occasions, the Kisi Rkatsiteli creates impressive moments of enjoyment. It pairs beautifully with a traditional Georgian evening featuring local specialties, surprises experienced connoisseurs at tastings and complements a romantic dinner with its deep, spicy aromas. The innovative bottle design also makes a clear visual statement at the table.

The ideal serving temperature is 8 to 10 °C in a white wine glass. This allows the aromatic depth to unfold while the acidity remains crisp and the wine stays clear and precise. Stored in a properly temperature-controlled wine cellar or a suitable climate-controlled area in the living space, this wine can be kept for several years. Its stated ageing potential from the vintage is approximately nine years, during which additional maturation aromas such as honeyed notes, dried fruit and complex spice can develop.

As a versatile companion for culinary experiments, a secret tip for discerning wine lovers or a characterful ambassador of Georgian wine culture, the Kisi Rkatsiteli captures attention with every pour. Those who appreciate authentic, traditionally made amphora wines will discover in this white wine from Kakheti an expressive experience with a long finish and impressive depth.

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