Sometimes the most intriguing wines introduce us to something unfamiliar. The 2025 Dr. Konstantin Frank Ethos does just that, bringing together Riesling and Rkatsiteli (pronounced rkat-si-TEL-ee), an ancient Georgian grape that deserves more attention.

Disclosure: I received this wine as a complimentary media sample from Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery. All opinions and tasting impressions are my own.

What surprised me most? A medium-intensity nose that gave little hint of the explosion of tropical fruit flavors awaiting on the palate.

Rkatsiteli: An Ancient Grape Worth Discovering

Native to Georgia’s Kakheti region, Rkatsiteli has been cultivated for thousands of years. Its name means roughly “red stem,” referring to the vine’s reddish canes. Known for retaining lively acidity, it can produce fresh, citrus-driven whites or textured amber wines made in traditional Georgian qvevri.

Its potential for herbal, spicy, and savory nuances makes it an intriguing partner for Riesling.

A Pioneer’s Vision, Six Decades Later

In my earlier article, Four Wines, One Pioneer: Discovering Dr. Konstantin Frank and the Finger Lakes, I explored how Dr. Frank helped establish European grape varieties in New York’s Finger Lakes. Ethos reveals another fascinating chapter in his pioneering story.

Before immigrating to the United States, Dr. Frank worked with Rkatsiteli in Ukraine. In the 1960s, he planted it alongside Riesling in the Finger Lakes and co-fermented the grapes, creating a blend that became a family favorite.

The winery revived the idea commercially in 2021 for its 60th anniversary, blending the varieties after fermentation. According to fourth-generation family member Meaghan Frank, the 2025 Ethos is its second commercial release—and this time, the family returned to the original co-fermentation method.

Because Rkatsiteli ripens later, the winery left Riesling on the vines longer so both could be harvested together. Sometimes innovation means revisiting an idea from the past.

2025 Dr. Konstantin Frank Ethos

Grapes: 60% Riesling, 40% Rkatsiteli
Winemaking: Co-fermented in stainless steel; unoaked
ABV: 12% | SRP: $39.95

My tasting note: Very pale straw color with subtle platinum reflections. A gentle nose offers aromas of lime zest, gooseberry, pineapple, quince, beeswax, white pepper, and ginger. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied and dry, with balanced acidity and an unexpected burst of fresh, ripe fruit—gooseberry, pink grapefruit, quince, pineapple and lime zest—that belies its restrained aromatic profile. Appealing savory notes of white pepper, white tea, and warm spice carry through a very satisfying finish.

At the Table: A Pairing That Delivered

We paired Ethos with Cranberry Jalapeño Meatball Grain Bowls, adding roasted purple sweet potatoes, and black and brown rice to the recipe. It was a wonderful match!

The wine’s tropical fruit flavors contrasted beautifully with the jalapeño’s gentle heat, while the savory notes I associate with Rkatsiteli complemented the earthy sweetness of the roasted potatoes. The pairing showed how the blend could both contrast and complement flavors in the same dish.

I’d also try it with Vietnamese herb-forward dishes or grilled seafood with tropical fruit salsa.

Final Thoughts

Ethos connects Dr. Frank’s Ukrainian past with his pioneering Finger Lakes legacy while introducing wine lovers to an ancient, lesser-known grape. More importantly, it’s delicious at the table. For me, that’s the most compelling reason to discover Rkatsiteli.

Cheers!