|
|
The white grape variety Rkatsiteli, which originates from Georgia, has officially been included in the French grape variety catalogue. The late-ripening variety is mainly found in Georgia, Armenia and Ukraine, but is also planted in China, the USA, New Zealand and Australia. It is one of the ten most cultivated white grape varieties worldwide. As it is similar to the French Colombard variety, it could appeal above all to winegrowers in Gascony. It can be used to produce high-quality dry white wines as well as sweet wines. French winegrowers could adapt to climate change with this late-ripening and acidic grape variety.
According to trials carried out ten years ago by the French Institute of Vine and Wine (IFV), Rkatsiteli is not very fertile and requires rather long pruning. However, it guarantees a good yield as it produces large bunches of egg-shaped berries. In addition, Rkatsiteli tolerates winter frosts well as well as mildew and is not very susceptible to botrytis. "Rkatsiteli has an excellent aromatic profile and fully fits the style of wines with the protected geographical indication Côtes-de-Gascogne," the Institute of Vine and Wine explained its inclusion in the catalogue.
(ru / Source: Vitisphere)