At a glance

Producer

Pheasant's Tears

Region

Kakheti, Georgia

Grape variety

Rkatsiteli

Wine type

Orange

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$30-$40

Tasting profile

Complex orange wine profile with dried apricot, tea leaves, honeycomb, and savory minerals

Evolution: Develops more oxidative and nutty notes over 3-5 years while retaining bright acidity

At peak: Balanced integration of tannins and acidity, richer texture, with layered stone fruit and spice

Structure

Acidity

High, bright natural acidity typical of Rkatsiteli

Tannins

Medium to firm, characteristic of amphora aging

Alcohol

13.5%

Aging potential

8-12 years from vintage, given natural winemaking and robust structure

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2026 to 2029

Optimal window

2024 to 2030

Current status

Approaching drinkability, youthful with potential for further development

Current condition

Fresh tannic grip with vibrant acidity

The natural fermentation in qvevri amphorae and firm tannins allow the wine to mature slowly, gaining complexity without losing freshness. Peak years (3-8 years post vintage) balance youthful vibrancy and aged complexity.

Food pairing

Pairs excellently with Georgian cuisine, spicy dishes, grilled meats, robust cheeses, and roasted root vegetables.

Serving

Serving temperature

14-16°C / 57-61°F

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — To allow aeration of natural phenolics and soften tannins for smoother palate expression

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 9/10

Sustainable dry farming, minimal intervention natural winemaking, use of traditional qvevri clay amphorae for fermentation and aging, limited sulphur additions, manual harvesting

Pheasant's Tears is known for strong commitment to organic and biodynamic viticulture in Georgia's Kakheti region. Vineyard management avoids synthetic chemicals, and winery employs natural yeast fermentations in qvevri reducing additives. The use of traditional amphorae lessens environmental impact compared to steel or oak barrels. While export to global markets adds transportation footprint, overall practices yield a highly sustainable wine offering.