GEORGIAN WINE GUIDE & MAP
VAZIANI WINERY WINARY
Vaziani Winery Respectful successor and follower of rich Georgian Winemaking Traditions since 1982
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Makashvili Wine Cellar from Vaziani Winary
Welcome, I am Giorgi Samanishvili, the chairman of the National Wine Agency, I want to tell you about the history and culture of Georgian wine in a few words. Georgia has 8 thousand years continuous history of winemaking tradition. The diversity of natural resources in our country create the best environment for the development of high quality viticulture and winemaking. Georgians started Qvevri winemaking 8 thousand years ago and they still keep this tradition. The Qvevri method of winemaking was listed as part of UNESCO Intangible Heritage in 2013, which indicates the uniqueness of this method and represents a message to the whole world, that wine is a part of ancient Georgian culture. Recently, a large Qvevri vessel was situated as part of the permanent exposition at the main entrance of the Center of Wine Civilization in Bordeaux, where ‘Georgia- Cradle of Wine’ exhibition is being held. This recognition is important for Georgian wine and will enhance the awareness of Georgian wine throughout the world. During this period, a rich culture of grapevine and wine was developed, domestication of wild grapes was realized, systems of vineyard plantation and care were elaborated, wine vessels were improved and the establishment of the culture of Qvevri occurred. More than 500 local grape varieties are described in Georgia. During the centuries, wine has become the main base for economic welfare of Georgia. Georgian wine is being developed constantly. Georgian winemakers have succeeded in the European, American and Asian markets. Demand on Georgian wine is increasing, it has great potential and a prerequisite to hold one of the honorable places in the world wine market. One of our major tasks is to be engaged in every important event aimed at popularization of Georgian wine. Nowadays, Georgian wine is represented on every important wine exhibition of the world along with every leading, wine-producing country all over the world. Georgian wine is liked and appreciated by professionals, as well as amateurs from all over the world.
Publication: Wine Guide & Map 2017 Supported by:
LEPL National Wine Agency 6. Marshal gelovani ave. 0159, Tbilisi, GEORGIA Tel: +995 32 297 41 03 E-mail: info@georgianwine.gov.ge Web: www.georgianwine.gov.ge
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Publisher:
Green Media Production Ltd. 1 Leonidze St., 0105,Tbilisi, Georgia Tel: (+995 32) 242 38 46 E-mail: info@gmproduction.ge Founders: Teimuraz Chumburidze Temur Jgerenaia General Director: Temur Jgerenaia www.gmproduction.ge
Director: Maia Javakhishvili Sales & Marketing: Temur Legashvili Editor: Maka Svimonishvili Copy Editor: Khatuna Katsarava Translation: Ketevan Khachidze Design & layout: George Navrozashvili
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ompanies and institutions that have submitted the data are responsible for the accuracy of the data provided in the publication. No parts of the publication may be reproduced are recorded into any data medium or transferred in any other way without the written consent of Green Media Production Ltd.
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CONTENTS HISTORY
GRAPEVINE REGIONS OF GEORGIA
GEORGIAN WINE
“TRADITIONAL” GEORGIAN WINEMAKING
THE FIRST STAGE OF THE CULTIVATION OF THE VINE
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20 76
110 130
148 160
CULTURE AND WINE-MAKING
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GEORIGIAN GRAPE VARIETIES
HISTORY OF RTVELI
120 144
CHACHA
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GEORGIAN SWEETS
WINE TOURISM
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Elegant style of Askaneli wines
www.askaneli.com GEORGIA, TBILISI
Georgia - the cradle of winemaking
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WINE GUIDE
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WINE GUIDE
Georgia - the cradle of winemaking
GEORGIA the cradle of winemaking
2017 is one of the most important years for Georgian wine.
firming that Georgia is a country of ancient wine civilization.
Cité des Civilisations Du Vin, in the city of Bordeaux, on July 31, 2017 the exhibition “Georgia - The Cradle of Wine” was opened that lasted till late November. Georgia was the first country invited to host an exhibition at the Wine Civilization Center. This exhibition presents a cycle of viticulture and winemaking at the Wine Civilization Center and in Georgia.
During these 4 months, various exhibitions took place in the exhibition space: scientific conferences, presentations, and wine tasting. World-recognized wine experts hosted these events. There were also a few concerts dedicated to the exhibition, performed by folk and ecclesiastical hymns. The premiere of the Marjanishvili State Theater Performance also took place here, which has been specifically designed for the Bordeaux exhibition. During this time, there were also several culinary and other thematic events.
Within the framework of the exhibition, the Bordeaux Wine Civilization Center presented unique archeological and ethnographic samples from the Georgian National Museum con-
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Taste of Georgian Treasure
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orporation Georgian Wine was founded in 1999. The main goal of the company was production and implementation of alcoholic beverages. Corporation Georgian Wine produces Georgian wines with several different Trade Marks. We are one of the top wineexporting companies in Georgia. The winery is located in Telavi region, village Tsinandali well known with wine making. The winery is equipped with machines from Della Toffola and Fimmer - which guarantees the high quality and reliability for the company.
In 2010 the company was awarded with the ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 22000:2005 certiďŹ cates. Cooperation with leading foreign companies will contribute to export growth and establishment of Corporation Georgian Wine as one of the leading company. The Company successfully exports highest quality wines to Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Israel, France, Azerbaijan and China.
Corporation Georgian Wine LTD 78 Chavchavadze Ave., Tbilisi 0162, Georgia Web: www.cgw.ge
Georgia - the cradle of winemaking
WINE GUIDE
The exhibition in Bordeaux was a unique opportunity for Georgia to take their stand as the oldest country of wine and ancient winemaking in the world. Georgia was able to present both the ancient and organic part of European culture and to show the international community various aspects of its culture, history and economy. In the modern world, Bordeaux is considered one of the leading cultural and tourism centers of Europe and the capital of the wine world. It hosts more than 6 million tourists each year. Cité des Civilisations Du Vin - 14 thousand sq. M. Meters where ultramodern technologists will tell the history and modernity of wine civilization. After the exhibition of Georgia, the Wine Civilization Center every year will present other leading winemaker countries that will be able to present their history and culture. The idea of building a large-scale complex belongs to the Mayor of Bordeaux, Alan Juppé. Cité des
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Civilisations Du Vin has become a popular tourist attraction in the touring stream for travelers. During these 4 months, International Communications and Marketing Agency SOPEXA conducted a communication campaign for the Georgian Exhibition at the World Civilization Center in Bordeaux. An Information advertising campaign on Georgian wine were implemented in all strategic countries. An Active advertising campaign were carried out in France, by Cité des Civilisations Du Vin. In the framework of the Georgian exhibition, the main entrance to the center of the Wine Civilization Center big qvevri was placed that was specifically designed in modern Qvevri School at the Alaverdi Eparchy. The qvevri has been specifically designed for this exhibition. The pitcher will remain in permanent exposition and UNESCO will mark the recognition of the oldest Georgian traditional method of qvevri wine making as a monumental cultural heritage of the world.
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WINE GUIDE
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Georgia - the cradle of winemaking
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Georgia - the cradle of winemaking
A governmental commission was created for the exhibition under the guidance of the Minister of Agriculture Levan Davitashvili. The government administration, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Foreign affairs, Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, the Embassy of France , the National Museum, Georgian wine Association , the National Intellectual Property Center-Patent, Agency of Innovation and Technology, National Tourism Administration, National Wine Agency and other organizations were involved in organizing this event. The National Bank of Georgia, in response to the initiative of the National Bank of Japan, minted the 5 Lari silver coin, around 1500 pieces in total. The National Bank of Georgia announces the International Wine Exhibition scheduled to be held in the city of Bordeaux, France in 2017, where Georgia is the first guest in
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honor and chief host for winemaking event. The main composition of the coin is the picture of a pitcher with a conditional cut. The dark red color depicts the wine in the qvevri. On the pitcher there is the image of a grape. In the lower part of the coin there are the following inscriptions: “Georgia”, “2017”, “GEORGIE” (“Georgia” in French), “5 GEL”. The main composition of the coin reversal is the graphic image of the Museum of Wine Civilization located in the city of Bordeaux, France. The upper right of the coin features the symbol of the denomination and the symbol of the lari, and the arch is inscribed in the French language “LA GÉORGIE - PREMIER VIGNOBLE INVITÉ DE LA CITÉ DU VIN DE BORDEAUX” (Georgia - the first honorary guest of the Bordeaux Wine Civilization Center).
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Georgia - the cradle of winemaking
TAMADA
Bronze statue from the 7th century
BC. This is statue of a Tamada, the ruler of the table holding the horn in the right hand.
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HISTORY
WINE GUIDE
HISTORY
T
he Name of the Country: „Géorgie“, „Georgia“, „Gurjistan“, „საქართველო“ (Sakartvelo) in Georgian.
Area: 69700 km2 Population: 3,720,400 Capital: Tbilisi Official Language: Georgian Currency: Georgian Lari (GEL) Time Zone: GMT +4 State Code: GEO Internet TLD: .ge Telephone code: +995
Major Exports Markets: Russia, Turkey, China, Bulgaria, Azerbaijan Trade Agreements: Georgia has trade deals with the World Trade Organization and US; The EU and Georgia signed an Association Agreement on 27 June 2014 it has entered into force since 1 July 2016. The agreement introduces a preferential trade regime – the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) Free trade agreement between Georgia and the People’s Republic of China will come into force in the second half of 2017. Georgia will be the first country in the region to have free trade agreement with China.
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HISTORY
WINE GUIDE
GEOGRAPHY
Georgia is where Europe meets Asia, bounded on the west by the Black sea, the north by Russia, the south by Turkey and Armenia and to the east by Azerbaijan. Climate is hugely varied, ranging from subtropical to high alpine and to semi-desert. About 80% of Georgia is mountainous. The north border with Russia is formed by the Greater Caucasus mountain range, this barrier protects Georgia from cold air invasion from the north and the iceclad flanks of these desolately beautiful high regions supply many of its streams and rivers. The South branch of the Caucasus Mountain range is located almost in parallel to the North one. Yet, essentially for its viticulture, the country is open on its western limits to the constant influence of warm, moisty air from the Black Sea.
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A circle of latitude 41°42’ 35” N-44°47’ 36” E The highest picks of the Greater Caucasus from North are Shkhara 5, 058. a.s.l. Kazbegi 5, 047 m. a.s.l.
CLIMATE
The climate of Georgia is diverse due to the specific geographic conditions. Georgia is located on the border of subtropical and temperature climates between the black sea and the Caspi-
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WINE GUIDE
an Sea and has a complex relief due to the geology and the topography. In the relatively small territory of Georgia a great variety of regional and local climates exist, humid subtropical climate, permanent snow and glaciers and dry subcontinental climate in southern Georgia. The climate in eastern Georgia is dry and continental, with hot summers and mild winters, in eastern Georgia the humidity and precipitation are low and so is cloudiness. The temperature variations are great, while western Georgia has a warm tropical climate on the Black sea coast, western Georgia situated on the eastern
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HISTORY
coast of the Black Sea and surrounded by the mountains has humid subtropical climate with a small variation in temperatures, with high precipitation and high humidity. The Greater Caucasus range moderates local climate by serving as a barrier against cold air from the north. Warm, moist air from the Black Sea moves easily into the coastal lowlands from the west. Average temperature: Summer 20- 24°C Winter 2 -5°C.
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HISTORY
WINE GUIDE
GEORGIAN LANGUAGE
The Georgian language is the official language of Georgia. The Georgian language is one of the oldest continuously spoken languages on earth with a rich literary tradition. It is a member of the South Caucasian (Kartvelian) Language Family in the Iberian-Caucasian Language group. Georgian alphabet is one of the unique 14 existing alphabets in the world. It consists of 33 letters. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has added the Georgian alphabet to the list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (2016). “The Georgian Language expresses everything that a any human language is capable of expressing. The Georgian language is so rich that by its peculiar intricacies it is a language of worldwide significance.” N.Y. Marr
GEORGIAN WINE FIELD Vineyard - 50 thousands of hectares; The crop - approximate 200-250 thousand of tones; Production of wine - 80-120 million liters; Export of wine - approximate 50 million bottles (0.75); Consummations of wine per capita - approximate 25 liters; Registered Georgian Wine Companies: 500’ About 200 companies export wine; Making of “Home-made wine” is still in practice by Georgian families.
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SIRAJKHANA - Georgian Wine Restaurant Food concept is simple, accessible to all, but still authentic, traditional Georgian & indeed original. For a global travellers with cultured palate and a love of variety of wine and Georgian food, Sirajkhana at Orbeliani street is a destination restaurant with a must taste fusion philosophy. The perfect space for small and large gatherings with a menu celebrating the art of sharing and mixing the cultural differences of Georgian and Persian cuisine flavours. Explore real food muses in different Persian products & spices - cinnamon, saffron, cardamom, ginger, cumin, fresh herbs, mint, tarragon, and of course rice and pistachios, pomegranates and rose extract. 10 V.Orbeliani st., Tbilisi, Georgia Tel.: +995 322 244 999 Mob.: +995 598 810 810
SUPRA
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WINE GUIDE
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WINE GUIDE
A few words about the taste scale Georgian sauces. The most distinctive feature - its tart acidity produced by the natural fruit and berry juices. Very often it is mistaken for “sharp” and linked to the alleged rampant use of spices, especially pepper. Meanwhile, a sour-tart taste has nothing to do with the “sharpness”. Of course, it enhances the aroma and flavor, which is reported Georgian sauces used in these herbs,
SUPRA but the very nature of their foundations and sour spices, these are not sharp. Set of spices in the creation of Georgian cuisine has not so much burning as aromatic-spicy, refreshing effect. Hence, in Georgian cuisine dominates the use of fresh and dried herbs instead, not so much classical as local as fresh herbs are more gently.
The only truly searing spice in Georgian cuisine - this is a red pepper, but it is. as garlic, is used, the Georgians rather moderate, although the time. And the red pepper and garlic is always used as a supplementary rather than a main ingredient in spice mixtures and, besides, they always tempered by the fact that they were sure to accompany foods such as crushed nuts and matsoni, which are intended to reduce the original bitterness. www.gmproduction.ge
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