A qvevri white wine

One of the largest wine expositions in the United States is the annual Boston Wine Expo. On February 14th and 15th, wine trade and consumers will have the opportunity to taste wines from over 200 producers from around the world. Ten producers from the country Georgia will showcase wines produced using modern wine making protocols as well as traditional methods of making wine in buried qvevris. If those attending the expo want a unique experience, then need to stop at the Georgian producers’ tables and sample wines from varieties not commonly planted in the rest of the world. Also unique are the wines produced in buried qvevris. Qvevri winemaking is the only winemaking process to be on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Grape Varieties

The largest plantings of a white grape in Georgia is Rkatsiteli. The largest plantings of a black grape is Saperavi. Those two varietal grapes have very limited plantings in the United States. Tasters will have the chance to taste these varieties as both European style wines and as qvevri wines. Other grape varieties to look for at the Georgian tables include the white grapes Chinuri, Goruli Mtsvane, Khikhvi, Kisi, Krakhuna and Tsitska. Also discover the red varietal grapes crafted with Otskhanuri Sapere and Tavkveri.

Qvevri Wines

Qvevri are earthen vessels buried underground. Many people confuse qvevri with amphora. They are not the same. The shapes are different as are the sizes and purposes. Amphora were designed and used to transport things such as dry goods, olive oil or wine. Qvevris have a different shape and are meant to be buried underground. Qvevris are used to ferment and age wines. The unique shape of the qvevri aids in the clarification of the wine. If you are new to qvevri wines, keep an open mind. Many of the white wines made in qvevri have bold tannins, a result of skin contact for months. The white wines also extract color from the skins and some will have an amber color. Some white qvevri wines will entice your senses. They will be different from what you are use to in a white wine. Qvevri wines made from black or red grapes are lest of a sensual assault. They are closer to the red wines produced by modern methods. The qvevri reds will be fruit forward and have bold tannins. Lacking will be the influence of oak.

Do search out the Georgian producers and the qvevri wines. These will probably be the most unique wines at the Boston Wine Expo.

To learn more about the wines from the country Georgia, check the Wine Trail Traveler site.

Cheers,
Terry