Konstantin

Krakhuna is an indigenous white grape from Imereti in western Georgia, known for a varietal aroma of banana, honey and white stone fruit. In Konstantin it shows banana and lemon notes over a fresh, crisp, medium-bodied palate with a clean finish, poured light straw with golden hues.

Yes. Konstantin is a dry white wine made from 100% Krakhuna grapes harvested in Imereti, Georgia, at 12.5% alcohol.

Krakhuna is a rare indigenous white grape of Imereti, grown around the villages of Sviri, Obcha and Dimi. It flowers late and accumulates sugar readily while keeping its acidity, giving full-bodied wines with unusually good aging potential. It was close to extinction in the 1980s and has been revived by modern producers.

In Imereti, in central-western Georgia. The region's humid subtropical climate brings more rain than eastern Georgia, and cooler nights temper the summer heat. Imereti's traditional method is gentler than Kakheti's, using only a small share of the grape skins and no stems, which gives paler wines with finer tannins.

Pasta in white sauce, white meat, shellfish, roasted vegetables, and pâté or foie gras.

Serve Konstantin at 8 to 10°C (46 to 50°F). Straight from the fridge is a little too cold. Give it ten minutes in the glass and the aromatics open up.

Closest familiar reference: an unoaked Chardonnay, for the full body and the crisp finish. Krakhuna is not Chardonnay. It runs tropical where Chardonnay runs to orchard fruit, banana above all, cut with crisp citrus, from a rare Imeretian grape that holds its acidity even at that weight.

Konstantin is sold in the United States through Total Wine & More, typically around $18.99 for a 750ml bottle. Retail price varies by state and store.