Growing Conditions

Rkatsiteli originates in the country of Georgia and it one of the oldest grape varieties in
the world dating back to 3000 B.C. The grape has a very strong resistance to cold winter conditions and retains high acidity even in the hottest summers.

Dr. Konstantin Frank was the first to plant Rkatsiteli in the Finger Lakes during his
experiments in the 1950s and 1960s. We grow just under 10 acres of Rkatsiteli on our
Keuka Estate: 3.1 acres planted in 1983, 2.8 acres in 1987, and 3.8 acres in 2003. Our
soils on Keuka Lake are shallow, Mardin and Volusia silt loam with high shale content
which adds minerality, acidity, and elegance. Our vineyard is east-facing ranging from
980 ft to 1200 ft elevation and are at the deepest parts of Keuka Lake.

Hot and dry is a great way to describe the 2020 growing season. The trend of late bud
break continues, beginning in mid-May. A month later in mid-June, most varieties began flowering and fruit set. Between bud break and fruit set, it was warm and dry with only considerable rainfall a handful of times. This allowed the bunches to fertilize properly. Throughout the growing season we were blessed with hot and dry conditions. This kept disease pressure very low. Luckily, our old vines are able to withstand drought conditions. The warm and dry weather continued into the fall allowing us to fully ripen grapes well into October. The 2020 vintage was one of the best years in recent memory

- 100% Keuka Estate.

Winemaking

- VINIFICATION: De-Stemmed. Direct Press. Pneumatic Press.
- VESSEL: Stainless Steel. Temperature Controlled.
- FERMENTATION: Traditional. No Malolatic Fermentation.

Aging

Unoaked. 5 Months Lees Aging.

Nose

Elegant, aromatic, and tropical with apricot, passion fruit, pineapple, and mango with
undertones of ginger, white pepper, and grassiness.

Palate

The wine has a very good palate weight with a textural mouthfeel and lengthy finish. A great alternative for Sauvignon Blanc drinkers.

Food Pairing

Olives, Goat Cheeses, Sushi, Seafood, Salads (Citrus, Vinaigrette), Grilled White Meats,
BBQ.