Wine is deeply embedded in Georgian identity and is a significant part of the culture. Thanks to its unique method of wine cultivation and 8,000-year history of winemaking, Georgia is also known as the "Cradle of Wine". In this article you will learn what makes Georgian wine so special and which regions you should not miss as a wine lover.
Wine is part of every meal in Georgia. Whether in the countryside or in the city, most Georgian families still make their own wine and traditionally store it in their own wine cellars, also called "marani." Opening a family qvevri - a buried clay vessel in which most Georgian households make their wine - is a celebrated event. The Georgian wine industry is incredibly diverse, with 500 indigenous grape varieties and more than 1000 wineries in the country. For comparison, there are about 4000 grape varieties in total worldwide. Georgian wine is also a symbol of the country's hard-won independence, individuality and creativity.
Georgian production method
In total, there are only 3 winemaking methods in the world: The European, the Jewish and the Georgian.
In Georgian winemaking, the grape juice is placed in a huge ,beeswax-lined clay vessel, also called a quevri, and buried in the ground up to the neck. This allows the wine to ferment in a uniformly cool state. Essential to the Qvevri method is the very long contact between wine and marc. The right degree of ripeness of the grapes plays a decisive role for the great wine quality. The harvest is done by hand at the perfect time, when the sugar and acidity levels are optimal.
The special production process of traditional Georgian wine has been included in UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage for some time.
The most beautiful wine regions: Kartli
About 15 % of Georgian wine comes from the region of Kartli, located in the east. The center of this wine-growing region is the capital of Georgia, Tbilisi, where several large sparkling wineries and distilleries are located. But not only brandy and sparkling wine are typical for Kartlien, especially wines in the European style are produced here. Therefore, in addition to traditional vines, international grape varieties can also be found in the vineyards.
Kakheti
The region in the center of Georgia was and is the Mecca of Georgian wine culture. About 70 % of Georgian wine is grown here and the largest vineyards in the country are located here. Place names are often the different brand names of the wines and so almost every village has its own wine. In Kakheti, just about every farmer is also a winemaker. The homemade country wines are stored in clay jugs, the so-called "Kwewri" and kept in the home wine cellar. Whether red or white wine here you will find everything. The tart and slightly flowery taste of Georgian wine are a pure pleasure for every wine lover.
Imereti in Georgia
Situated between river valleys and gorges is the wine-growing region of Imereti. Fertile soils and sunny weather create the perfect conditions for growing grapes in the region. Here, too, there is a great variety of grape varieties. Typical for Imereti, however, is the white variety Zizka, the late ripening, high-yielding vine is the basis for tangy and acid-emphasized wines. Especially the traditional production of wine is widespread here, where the fermentation process takes place in clay jars. This process is followed by several weeks of maceration.
Ratscha-Lechkhumi
Racha-Lechkhumi wine region is located in the western part of Georgia and on the banks of Rioni and Tskhenistskali rivers. Most of the viticulture is found in Racha, near some mineral springs and rivers. The region is especially famous for its sweet red wine, which is very popular in many Eastern European countries. Khvanchkarra" is made from the two grape varieties Alexanduli and Mujuretuli and is not produced by the Kakheti method, but in steel tanks.
You want to taste the Georgian wine in person?
Over 500 varieties are just waiting for you to discover! Journey with us to Georgia and learn more about wine growing and the unique production process in the country. Learn more about this beautiful country, its culture and traditions and experience Georgian hospitality at a traditional wine tasting in Tbilisi.
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