Rkatsiteli Qvevri - Dariali Monastery Winery

The Rkatsiteli Qvevri - Dariali Monastery Winery shines in an intense, deep orange with copper reflections in the glass and appears extremely inviting. On the nose, it unfolds a complex play of aromas of ripe lemon, candied citrus peel, and dried apricots. These are joined by notes of orange peel, dried herbs, subtle resin, and a hint of tea, as well as delicately spicy nuances of dried blossoms.

On the palate, this orange wine presents itself powerful, dense, and textured. The tannin structure is reminiscent of a fine red wine, yet remains silky and precisely integrated. The acidity appears lively, lends the wine tension, and carries the intense aromatics across the entire palate. Typical Rkatsiteli notes such as citrus, yellow fruits, and a subtle nuttiness clearly emerge and merge with light hints of beeswax, tea, and ripe apples.

The Rkatsiteli Qvevri - Dariali Monastery Winery shows a powerful body, enormous depth, and a great inner calm. The structure appears taut and at the same time elegant, the texture almost creamy, with a fine grip on the palate. The very long finish carries aromas of lemon peel, dried apricots, orange zest, and a delicate hint of mineral spice.

This wine is made from the traditional grape variety Rkatsiteli, one of the oldest white grape varieties in the world. Its home is in the Georgian wine region of Kakheti, which is considered the cradle of Qvevri culture. The wine stylizes the old world of viticulture in its purest form and combines ancient craftsmanship with an independent, modern aspiration.

• Wine color: intense orange with copper reflections
• Grape variety: 100% Rkatsiteli (single-varietal)
• Origin: Kakheti, Georgia
• Maturation: traditional Qvevri amphora
• Style: powerful, dense, complex, old world
• Alcohol content: 13.0% vol.
• Glass recommendation: white wine glass

1. Intense citrus aromas with a focus on lemon and orange zest
2. Dense texture with fine tannin grip
3. Very long, lingering finish with spicy notes
4. Authentic interpretation of a Georgian orange wine

Production of the Rkatsiteli Qvevri - Dariali Monastery Winery

In Georgian Kakheti, the climate is characterized by warm summers, pronounced temperature differences between day and night, and sufficient sunshine for optimal grape ripening. The vineyards of Dariali Monastery Winery are located in an area that has stood for characterful wines for centuries. The soils consist mainly of calcareous layers, clay, and alluvial deposits, which lend the Rkatsiteli grape variety structure, tension, and a clear, mineral-like character.

The grapes for this orange wine come from selected parcels and reach the winery exclusively in a fully ripe state. Hand harvesting allows for careful selection of the grapes directly in the vineyard. Only immaculate fruit is placed in the traditional underground Qvevri amphorae, which form the heart of Georgian wine culture.

In the Qvevri, the must undergoes an extended maceration fermentation together with skins, stems, and seeds. This traditional method gives the wine its characteristic orange color, its pronounced tannin structure, and its enormous aromatic depth. Fermentation on the skins intensifies citrus aromas, dried fruits, and tea notes and gives the wine its dense texture.

After fermentation, the young wine remains in the amphora on the full lees for an extended period. The underground storage in the Qvevri ensures natural temperature stability and slow, gentle maturation. This maturation phase adds additional complexity, gentle tannin, and an impressive inner balance to the wine.

The style of Dariali Monastery Winery combines monastic tradition with precise craftsmanship. The winemaker follows an unadulterated, artisanal approach that places the character of the Rkatsiteli grape variety and the origin Kakheti at the center. Maturation in amphora takes place without superfluous intervention, with the goal of creating an authentic, clearly structured orange wine that impressively reflects the Georgian wine soul.

Serving recommendations for the Rkatsiteli Qvevri - Dariali Monastery Winery

The Rkatsiteli Qvevri - Dariali Monastery Winery accompanies light yet robust dishes with impressive composure. The combination of citrus aromas, tannin, and dense structure pairs excellently with a wide range of foods.

• Light yet hearty dishes with poultry, veal, or pork
• Braised poultry dishes with root vegetables and herbs
• Roasted or grilled vegetables such as eggplant, bell pepper, and zucchini
• Spicy dishes from Middle Eastern or Caucasian cuisine
• Aged cheeses with a firm texture

This orange wine is an excellent match for festive tables, special family celebrations, and convivial evenings with friends where excitement in the glass is desired. It also unfolds its full aromatic range as a contemplative soloist, inviting an intense engagement with Georgian wine tradition.

The ideal serving temperature lies between 11 and 13 degrees Celsius. In a high-quality white wine glass, both the citrus fruit and the spice come through particularly clearly. Slightly cooler serving temperatures emphasize freshness and citrus notes, while a somewhat warmer temperature showcases the wine’s full depth and texture.

Calm storage of the 0.75 L bottle in a light-protected, rather cool place supports the further development of this orange wine. A few years of bottle age intensify the complex aromas of dried fruits, herbs, and tea and deepen the harmonious interplay of tannin, acidity, and fruit. In this way, a Georgian character wine emerges that impresses both now and after additional maturation time and delights discerning connoisseurs.

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