Georgia is a country that's often overlooked by tourists, but it has a lot to offer, especially when it comes to wine. Georgia has a long history of winemaking, and it's one of the oldest wine regions in the world. In this blog post, we'll explore Georgia's wine culture and what makes it so unique.
Georgia's Wine History
Georgia's winemaking tradition dates back over 8,000 years, making it one of the oldest wine regions in the world. The country's winemaking techniques have been passed down through generations, and they're still used today. Georgian wines are made using the traditional method of fermenting grapes in clay pots called qvevri. This method is unique to Georgia and has been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
The Qvevri Method
The qvevri method involves burying the clay pots in the ground, where they're used to ferment and age the wine. The pots are lined with beeswax to prevent the wine from coming into contact with the clay, which can affect the taste. The wine is left to ferment for several months, and the result is a wine with a unique flavor profile that's unlike anything else in the world.
Georgian Wine Varietals
Georgian wines are made using a variety of grape varietals, some of which are unique to the region. The most popular grape varietals used in Georgian winemaking are:
- Saperavi: This is a red grape that's used to make full-bodied, tannic wines. It's one of the most popular grape varietals in Georgia.
- Rkatsiteli: This is a white grape that's used to make dry, acidic wines. It's one of the oldest grape varietals in Georgia.
- Kisi: This is a white grape that's used to make full-bodied, aromatic wines. It's a rare grape varietal that's only grown in Georgia.
Other grape varietals used in Georgian winemaking include Mtsvane, Chinuri, and Tsolikouri. Each grape varietal has its own unique flavor profile, and winemakers often blend different varietals to create complex wines.
Georgian Wine Regions
Georgia has several wine regions, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the most popular wine regions in Georgia include:
- Kakheti: This is the largest wine region in Georgia and is known for its full-bodied red wines.
- Kartli: This region is known for its dry white wines, which are made using the Rkatsiteli grape varietal.
- Imereti: This region is known for its semi-sweet wines, which are made using the Tsolikouri grape varietal.
Other wine regions in Georgia include Racha-Lechkhumi, Kvemo Kartli, and Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. Each region has its own microclimate, soil type, and grape varietals, which contribute to the unique characteristics of the wines produced there.
Georgian Wine Tourism
Georgian wine tourism is becoming increasingly popular, and there are several wine tours available for visitors. These tours typically include visits to wineries, where visitors can learn about the winemaking process and sample different wines. Some tours also include visits to vineyards, where visitors can see the grapes being grown.
One popular wine tour in Georgia is the Kakheti Wine Tour, which takes visitors to several wineries in the Kakheti region. Visitors can sample different wines, including Saperavi and Rkatsiteli, and learn about the qvevri winemaking method. Another popular wine tour is the Tbilisi Wine Tour, which takes visitors to wineries in and around the capital city.
Georgian Wine and Food Pairings
Georgian cuisine is known for its bold flavors, and Georgian wines are the perfect complement to these dishes. Some popular Georgian dishes and their wine pairings include:
- Khachapuri (cheese bread): This dish pairs well with a dry white wine like Rkatsiteli.
- Chakhokhbili (chicken stew): This dish pairs well with a full-bodied red wine like Saperavi.
- Lobio (bean stew): This dish pairs well with a semi-sweet wine like Tsolikouri.
Other popular Georgian dishes include khinkali (dumplings), mtsvadi (grilled meat), and badrijani (eggplant rolls). Each dish has its own unique flavor profile, and there's a Georgian wine that pairs perfectly with it.
Conclusion
Georgia's wine culture is truly unique, and it's something that every wine lover should experience. From the qvevri method to the unique grape varietals, Georgian wines are unlike anything else in the world. If you're planning a trip to Georgia, be sure to add a wine tour to your itinerary. You won't be disappointed!