2023 Pheasant's Tears Vardisperi Rkatsiteli

Founded in 2005 by John Wurdeman and Gela Patalishvili, Pheasant’s Tears has become one of the most influential names in Georgian wine, dedicated to keeping qvevri traditions alive while showing just how exciting these wines can be today. Their cellars house clay vessels up to 200 years old, still used in daily winemaking.

The Vardisperi Rkatsiteli is a rare thing – a pink-skinned cousin of Rkatsiteli that was close to disappearing not long ago. Pheasant’s Tears has helped bring it back, and the 2023 vintage is as striking as ever. Fermented and aged six months on skins in buried clay qvevri, it pours a coppery-pink and has a wild, savoury energy that’s very different to your typical rosé or amber wine.

Bright red berry fruit, dried herbs and a gentle grip from tannin make it both refreshing and textural. No fining, filtering or additions, just pure expression of grape and place. Small quantities made, so grab it while you can.