Tsitska

 

Grown throughout upper and central Imereti, Tsitska means “variety with small grapes the village of Tsitske or Tstiskiuri.” (Iv. Javakhishvili ). By current standards, however, the grape is of medium size, with thick skins. The medium-sized, generally conical bunches tend to be compact and dense. Budburst is generally mid-April, with ripening at the beginning of October. The vine has moderate vigor but with high yields. It is rather susceptible to oidium and plasmopara viticola, the pathogen of downy mildew.

 

When vinified to dryness, Tsitska wines suggest yellow fruits such as quince, melon, and pear, sometimes with a honeyed note. Tsitska may be blended with Tsolikouri, and sometimes Krakhuna, for PDO Sviri and other dry table wines. Tsitska grapes with 19.0-21% sugar content and 7-9g/l total acidity are regarded as best for table wine. But when cultivated for its naturally high acidity to range 9-12 g/l at harvest, it also is vinified for sparkling wine.