Surely, it cannot be a coincidence that some of the most well-known wine-producing nations in the world are also some of the most alluring places to visit on the planet.
Think about it for a second: countries like Italy, France, Argentina and Spain are not only steeped in a rich tradition of winemaking but have also become some of the most sought-after spots to visit for their romantic allure.
It may be time to add Georgia, the history-rich country in the Caucasus region, to that list.
Intrepid travelers have been singing the nation's praises for years, and now wine aficionados are following suit, giving Georgian wine some serious momentum on menus and in wine shops around the world.
The Birthplace of Wine
Georgia's temperate climate, mountains and location near the Black Sea created the perfect conditions for grapes to thrive. Carbon dating has confirmed that winemaking has been going on in Georgia for more than 8,000 years.
Many contend that Georgia was, in fact, the birthplace of wine! While that is still up for debate, what cannot be argued is the history of winemaking here is as rich as the wine is delicious.
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The Qvevri Method
If there is one thing that makes Georgian wines unique, it is their connection to giant terracotta pots called qvevris. Massive bulbous jugs can be found buried underneath the soil all over the country and are used to both ferment and store Georgian wine. Since these vessels are stashed under the surface, they stay at a steady temperature, assisting with the fermentation process.
The making of qvevris is traditionally only done in a tiny handful of villages and is so special, it has been recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
The qvevri wines have proved especially popular with 'natural wine' enthusiasts, who cherish them for their raw and untouched flavors. It is worth noting that only a fraction of Georgian wine is made using qvevris nowadays, as modern factory-like techniques have taken over much of the commercial winemaking industry. T
here are still plenty of traditional winemakers out there though, and they will usually denote on the bottle if the wine has been made using the qvevri method.
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Varieties
Scores of wine varieties are made in Georgia, but these are some of the most popular and also great ones to start out with:
Saperavi: An inky, full-bodied red that is the most popular red wine in the country. It is so rich, some sellers even describe it as a 'black wine'. Expect heavy tannins and notes of tobacco, chocolate and dark fruits.
Rkatsiteli: The signature white wine of Georgia, Rkatsiteli is the most commonly planted white grape in the country. The result is a crisp, yet full-bodied white wine with a golden color and notes of fruit and nuts.
Mtsvane: Another white wine, this straw-colored variety brings citrusy and tropical fruit flavors to the tongue.
Where to find Georgian Wine
Besides taking a trip to Georgia, (which is highly recommended, by the way), the nation's wine can be purchased at wine shops stateside, with Georgian Wine House being a great tool to find the closest to you.
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