Ocho Rkatsiteli "Why ru here?" 2022

12.5% ABV

This is an unfiltered, skin contact wine from Georgia made from Rkatsiteli, a Georgian white grape varietal. It is one of the world's oldest grape varietals, dating back to 3000 B.C., and is the most widely planted grape in Georgia. This wine is spontaneously fermented in Kvevri, clay amphora that are buried in the ground. It spends 6 months aging on the skins in stainless steel tanks prior to bottling with minimal sulfur additions. 

If you are curious about orange/skin contact wines, or wines from Georgia, this is a great place to start. Many Georgian wines can be shocking or off putting to those unfamiliar with the ancient winemaking methods used there. This one is approachable and not overly funky or natty. It is crisp with bright acidity, soft tannins, and some pleasant spice notes.