Rkatsiteli is a white, dry, ancient grape variety and is considered one of the oldest varieties in the Black Sea region and in the world in general. Its name translates to "red stem", reminiscent of the color of its stems when harvested.

The crown of a young shoot and the first two leaves are smoky, grayish-white, with a pink border on the edges of the leaves. Subsequent leaves are less smoky, green with a bronze hue. The one-year mature shoot is dark brown with a reddish tinge; nodules are intensely stained. The grape leaf is medium or large, rounded, 3- or 5-lobed, medium or slightly dissected, with a funnel. The upper incisions are of medium depth and shallow, open, lyre-shaped, sometimes closed, with an ovate lumen; the lower incisions are small, closed, lyre- and slit-like, or in the form of a receding angle. The socket of the handle is deep, open, lyre-shaped and arched. The teeth at the ends of the lobes are triangular, with slightly convex sides. The teeth are one-sided convex on the edge, saw. The pubes on the lower leaf surface is weak, with cobweb-bristles. The flower is bisexual. Medium-sized cluster (13-15 cm long, 7-8 cm wide), cylindrical-conical and cylindrical, often with a long wing, medium dense. Leg of medium length - up to 4.5 cm. Weight at the wrist 155-165 g. Berry of medium size (15-18 mm long, 13-14 mm wide), round or oval. The average weight of 100 fruits is 180-260 g. The color is golden yellow, with bronze spots on the sunny side. Sometimes the fruits turn slightly pink. The skin is thin, strong, the meat is juicy, the taste is pleasant and unique. There are usually three seeds in one berry.

Rkatsiteli is a relatively late ripening white wine variety. The grapes ripen at the end of September. The vines are of medium growth strength. Shoots are upright. The variety is not prone to combing and millerandage. It is highly resistant to low winter temperatures.

Under the soil-climatic conditions of the Black Sea, Rkatsiteli grapes accumulate 18-22% sugars with high titratable acidity - 7-10 g/dm3. The grape is suitable for the production of quality white and dessert wines, as well as for naturally sparkling wines.

The moderate-continental climate, strongly influenced by the proximity of the Black Sea, with the characteristic breeze circulation, the relatively dry summer and the long and warm autumn, influence the development of specific characteristics of the variety in this region, making it suitable for PDO and PGI registration.

Rkatsiteli wines are usually very acidic, which means that the grapes stay on the vine almost until the last moment of the harvest season. The usual taste of Rkatsiteli is of spices, flowers and quinces. The high acidity and the pleasant and light taste make it a great table wine that goes well with almost any food - pork and chicken, fish and seafood delicacies.

The "Sea and Wine" project aims to raise awareness about the benefits of PDO and PGI registration, thereby increasing the competitiveness of wines from the Black Sea region.

More information can be found on the official website: www.sea-and-wine.com