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Georgia: Uncorking 8,000 Years of Wine History
19 Feb
Summary
- Georgia boasts over 8,000 years of winemaking history.
- Indigenous grape varieties create unique, diverse flavors.
- UK sales of Georgian wine surged by 72% in 2024.
Georgia, a nation with an unparalleled 8,000-year winemaking legacy, is capturing global attention for its distinctive wines. Situated at a historical crossroads, the country offers an authentic old-world experience, blending profound hospitality with a rich winemaking heritage.
Despite historical pressures, including Soviet-era emphasis on yield over quality, modern Georgian winemakers are championing their country's unique identity. They focus on nurturing over 525 indigenous grape varieties, resulting in a kaleidoscopic array of left-field flavors. This commitment to authenticity has been amplified by international advocates and early adopters, propelling Georgian wines into the mainstream.
The ancient practice of fermenting skin-contact "amber" wines in qvevri, subterranean clay vessels, has seen a resurgence. This traditional method contributes to the unique character of Georgian wines, particularly the celebrated orange wines. The Kakheti region in the east is the primary wine-producing area, known for bold reds and ambers.
Western Georgia offers bright, fresh wines from endemic varieties like tsolikauri, krakhuna, and tsitska. The global popularity of Georgian wines is evident in a 72% increase in UK volume sales in 2024, aligning with the rise of natural and distinctively flavored wines.
