Gotsa Tsitska 2015
At Gotsa winery, wine is a family tradition that founder Beka Gotsadze is determined to preserve. Located 4200 feet above sea level in the hills of the Asureti Valley, in the Atenuri appellation, Gotsa is only about a 30 minute drive from the Georgian capital Tbilisi. If, that is, one wishes to attempt nearly impassible dirt roads to get there!
Gotsadze makes his wine in the traditional Georgian method, meaning with large clay qvevri. More than simply burying his qvevri in the ground though, his creativity and innovation are evident in his gravity flow qvevri winery. Built high in the mountains, the Gotsa winery and cellar comprises two levels, the first for fermentation the second for aging. Gotsadze drilled holes in the upper level, fermentation qvevri to allow the wine the flow into the lower lever, ageing vessels. Prior to burial, he wrapped all qvevri with silicon tubing attached to a cold water spring. Each can be individually adjusted to cool the qvevri during fermentation. Warm water is then pumped to an indoor swimming pool. In the late winter the flow is reversed, the water warms the qvevri to encourage malolactic fermentation.
From vineyard to wine, Gotsa wines have nothing added. Near obsessive organic farming eschews sulfur and copper for the 13 (native) varieties grown among 25,000 vines. In the winery wines result from spontaneous fermentation. Some have no skin contact, others remain with skin and stems for as long as seven months.
Gotsa Tsitska 2015 Tasting Notes
One of the oldest white Georgian grape varieties, Tsitska belongs to the Imeretian grape family of western Georgia. A late-ripening grape, it generally results in light-colored wines with greenish tones characterized by aromas of vegetation and hints of pear, lemon, honey and melon. Often blended with another native grape, Tsolikouri, Tsitska wines tend to be very acidic and lively.
The Gotsa Tsitska began with aromas of quince, apple cider, yeast, and sage. Soft and round in the mouth, it was medium-bodied with 13% abv and a disappointingly short finish. While the flavors lasted though it was lovely. Yellow fruit flavors dominated joined by breadfruit and sourdough with hints of a saline-like minerality.