Obsidian Almanac Rkatsiteli 2017
Obsidian Almanac · Northwest Georgia
At a glance
- Producer
- Obsidian Almanac
- Region
- Northwest Georgia
- Grape variety
- Rkatsiteli
- Wine type
- Orange
- Body
- Medium-bodied and Earthy
- Sweetness
- Dry
- Typical price
- $30-$40
Tasting profile
Aromas of dried apricots, quince, subtle honeyed notes, orange peel, tea leaves; palate shows textured tannins, stone fruit, and vibrant acidity.
Evolution: Develops more oxidative, nutty characters and deeper honeyed richness with age.
At peak: Complex orange tint oxidation, balanced tannins, integrated acidity, and savory mineral notes.
Structure
- Acidity
- High
- Tannins
- Medium
- Alcohol
- 13.5%
- Aging potential
- 10-15 years from vintage
Drinking window
- Peak drinking
- 2025 to 2032
- Optimal window
- 2021 to 2030
- Current status
- Drinking well, approaching early maturity
- Current condition
- Showing vibrant phenolics, some tannin grip, good acidity
Due to Rkatsiteli’s natural acidity and the skin-contact (orange) winemaking style, this wine matures well over a decade. The 2017 vintage’s warm conditions contribute to ripe fruit concentration balanced by acidity, granting 10+ years aging potential.
Food pairing
Pairs well with roasted poultry, grilled vegetables, soft cheeses like Brie or goat cheese, dishes with Middle Eastern spices, and rich seafood preparations.
Serving
- Serving temperature
- 14-16°C / 57-61°F
- Decant
- Yes (30-45 minutes) — Allows the wine to soften tannins and open aromatics typical for orange wines with moderate phenolic extraction.
Sustainability
Sustainability score: 8/10
Hand harvesting, dry farming or minimal irrigation, native yeast fermentation, minimal additive use, lightweight packaging.
Obsidian Almanac emphasizes low-impact natural winemaking and sustainable farming, reducing synthetic chemicals, prioritizing ecosystem balance, and using eco-friendly packaging which contributes positively to its sustainability profile.