Georgia

Georgia, with its more than five hundred indigenous grape varietals, is arguably considered to be a “cradle of wine”.

Archaeological evidence suggests that wine may have been part of the culture here as far back as 6000 BC. 90% of the vines grown in Georgia are Georgian varieties. Spanning thousands of years the tradition of Qvevri wine-making technique offers a unique taste that coexists with European wine-making practices. See also Mar Casar in our Maltese Wine section.

Georgia’s territorial and climate conditions are optimal for wine-making. Extremes of weather are unusual. Summers tend to be short-sleeve sunny, and winters mild and frost-free. Natural springs abound, and the Caucasian Mountain streams drain mineral-rich water into the valleys. Georgia’s moderate climate and moist air, influenced by the Black Sea, provide the best conditions for vine cultivating.

Georgian traditional Qvevri wine-making method is included into the UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. A tradition that is passed down from generation to generation. The qvevri is a large is a clay Amphora-like vessel, traditionally buried in the ground up to its neck in which wine is fermented and stored. After fermentation, which proceeds naturally without the addition of any additives, the qvevri is then sealed with a wooden lid and soil or clay. The wine is then left to mature.

There are currently 125,000 hectares of vineyards in Georgia, which is more than South Africa with 105,000 hectares, for example. Until recently, though, the wines from them weren’t targeted at sophisticated export markets. This is showing signs of change. Since 1993, drinks giant Pernod Ricard (makers of Pernod, Ballantine’s, Jameson Irish Whiskey, the GlenLivet Scotch, Absolut Vodka, Redbreast and Chivas Regal, amongst others) have been collaborating with Georgian company GWS, and the result is Tamada wines. Head winemaker is Lado Uzunashvilli, a Georgian Australian, fashioning a personality-filled set of wines that offer really good value for money.
Out of the 500 or so Georgian grape varietals only 38 varieties are officially grown for commercial viticulture within Georgia.

Please feel free to enquire about our selection of Georgian wines.

References :

https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/ancient-georgian-traditional-qvevri-wine-making-method-00870

http://www.vinologue.com/books/georgia/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgian_wine

https://wine.gov.ge/En/

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