The Washington Post Speaks About Georgian Wine
When we think of the origin of wine we think about France, Italy, Greece or Persia, but in fact Georgia is one of the world's oldest wine regions, the birthplace of wine.
“Why should you get to know Georgian wines? Because they’re exciting” - The Washington Post reads.
Soviet dictator and Georgian native Joseph Stalin was a fan of Khvanchkara, a sweet red wine from the Racha mountain region in the Caucasus.
Among the best-known regions of Georgia where wine is produced are Kakheti (further divided onto micro-regions of Telavi and Kvareli),Kartli, Imereti, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti, and Abkhazia.In 2003 archaeologists published that Stone Age people were producing wine here up to 8,000 years ago.
The ancient traditional Georgian winemaking method using the “Qvevri” clay jars has been added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists.
“Georgia is a small country with a tiny production but an image and potential that far exceed its size,” said Lisa Granik, a master of wine, during a presentation of Georgian wines at Vinexpo, an international trade fair held in Bordeaux, France, in June.
Much of Georgia’s image and popularity comes from its ancient practice of fermenting wine in clay vessels buried underground.
The wine is produced by thousands of small farmers (using primarily traditional techniques of wine-making), as well as certain monasteries.
Modern wineries such as Teliani Valley,Gevelli, Giuaani, Telavis Marani, Tbilvino, Kindzmarauli Marani, Badagoni and Mukhrani also produce it. Georgia has nearly 500 native grape varieties
“The most common grapes in wines imported to the United States are rkatsiteli and mtsvane among whites, and the red saperavi. “ - The Washington Post reads.
The Washington Post has recommended Five Georgian wines to try
1. Jakeli Saperavi Unfiltered Dry Red 2012
2. Orgo Saperavi 2013
3. Teliani Valley Tsinandali 2013
4. Orgo Kisi 201
5. Pheasant’s Tears Rkatsiteli 2013
Resource The Washington Post
Nina Ioseliani