Have you ever heard of qvevri wine? It’s a special kind of wine made in big clay pots buried in the ground. Let’s learn all about it!
What is Qvevri Wine?
Qvevri wine is made in Georgia. That’s a country, not the state in America! In Georgia, they’ve been making wine this way for a very long time.
The big clay pots used to make the wine are called qvevri. They look like giant eggs made of clay. These pots are buried in the ground up to their necks. This helps keep the wine at just the right temperature while it’s being made.
A Long, Long Time Ago…
The Story of Qvevri Wine
Qvevri wine has been around for a really long time. People in Georgia have been making it for about 8,000 years! That’s older than the pyramids in Egypt.
Long ago, people found out that grape juice turns into wine if you leave it alone for a while. They started making big clay pots to hold the juice. These pots were buried in the ground to keep them cool.
Over time, people got better at making the pots and the wine. They learned that leaving the grape skins and seeds in the wine while it was being made gave it a special taste.
Why Qvevri Wine is Special
Qvevri wine is different from other wines because of how it’s made. The shape of the qvevri and the way it’s buried in the ground make the wine taste unique.
The clay pots let tiny amounts of air in, which changes how the wine tastes. And because the grapes, skins, and seeds are all mixed together, the wine gets lots of flavor and color.
How Qvevri Wine is Made
Making qvevri wine is a bit like making regular wine, but with some special steps. Let’s look at how it’s done:
1. Picking the Grapes: First, the grapes are picked when they’re just right.
2. Crushing the Grapes: The grapes are crushed to get the juice out. In the old days, people would step on the grapes with their feet!
3. Filling the Qvevri: The grape juice, skins, and seeds are all poured into the qvevri.
4. Letting it Ferment: The qvevri is left alone for a while. This is when the grape juice turns into wine.
5. Stirring: Sometimes, people stir the wine to mix everything up.
6. Waiting: The wine stays in the qvevri for several months or even a year.
7. Taking Out the Wine: When the wine is ready, it’s carefully taken out of the qvevri.
8. Cleaning the Qvevri: After the wine is out, the qvevri is cleaned really well for the next batch of wine.
Types of Qvevri Wine
There are different kinds of qvevri. Some are white, and some are red. Some are even orange! Here are a few types you might like to try:
White Qvevri Wines
– Rkatsiteli: This is a light golden wine. It tastes a bit like apples and pears.
– Mtsvane: This wine is greenish-yellow. It smells like flowers and tastes a bit like honey.
Red Qvevri Wines
– Saperavi: This is a dark red wine. It tastes like blackberries and cherries.
– Tavkveri: This wine is lighter red. It tastes like red fruits and has a spicy smell.
Orange Qvevri Wines
Orange wines are made from white grapes, but they look orange because the grape skins are left in the wine while it’s being made.
– Kisi: This wine is amber-colored. It tastes like dried fruits and nuts.
– Chinuri: This wine is golden-orange. It tastes like apricots and has a honey smell.
Qvevri Wine Today
Qvevri is getting more popular around the world. People like it because it’s made in a natural way and tastes different from other wines.
Qvevri Wine in Georgia
In Georgia, qvevri wine is a big part of life. Many families make their own wine at home. They use it for special occasions and to welcome guests.
There are also big wineries in Georgia that make qvevri wine. They sell it in Georgia and send it to other countries too.
Qvevri Wine in Other Countries
Some winemakers in other countries are trying to make wine the qvevri way. They’ve brought qvevri from Georgia and buried them in their own vineyards.
You can find qvevri in many countries now. It’s still not as common as other wines, but more and more people are trying it and liking it.
Visiting Qvevri Wineries in Georgia
If you want to see how qvevri is made, you can visit Georgia. There are many wineries that welcome visitors. Here are some places you might like to go:
Kakheti Region
Kakheti is the main wine region in Georgia. Here are some wineries you can visit:
1. Pheasant’s Tears: This winery is in a town called Sighnaghi. They make lots of different qvevri wines.
2. Alaverdi Monastery: This is a very old monastery that still makes wine the traditional way.
3. Twins Wine Cellar: Here, you can see the world’s largest qvevri! It can hold 10 tons of wine.
Kartli Region
Kartli is another wine region in Georgia. Some wineries to visit here are:
1. Iago’s Wine: This is a small family winery. The owner, Iago, will show you around himself.
2. Ateni Wine Cellar: This winery is in a beautiful valley. They make both qvevri and European-style wines.
What to Expect on a Winery Tour
When you visit a qvevri winery, you’ll get to see the whole process of making wine. Here’s what you might do:
– See the vineyards where the grapes grow
– Look at the qvevri buried in the ground
– Learn how the wine is made
– Taste different kinds of qvevri wine
– Eat some Georgian food
Many tours also include a traditional Georgian feast called a supra. This is a big meal with lots of food and wine. There’s usually someone called a tamada who makes toasts throughout the meal.
How to Taste Qvevri Wine
Tasting qvevri wine is a bit different from tasting other wines. Here’s what to do:
1. Look at the wine. Qvevri often have a cloudy look. This is normal!
2. Smell the wine. Qvevri can have strong smells. You might smell fruits, flowers, or even nuts.
3. Taste the wine. Take a small sip and let it sit in your mouth for a moment. Qvevri wines often have a strong taste. They might feel dry in your mouth.
4. Think about what you tasted. Did you like it? What did it remind you of?
Best Qvevri Wines to Try
If you’re new to qvevri, here are some good ones to start with:
1. Rkatsiteli: This is a white wine that’s easy to drink. It’s a good first qvevri wine to try.
2. Saperavi: If you like red wine, try this one. It’s rich and fruity.
3. Kisi: This orange wine is interesting to try if you’ve never had orange wine before.
4. Mtsvane: Another white wine, this one is light and fresh.
5. Chinuri: This orange wine is a bit lighter than Kisi. It’s good if you want to try something different.
Remember, everyone likes different things. You might need to try a few different qvevri wines to find one you really like.
Qvevri Wine and Food
Qvevri wine goes well with many kinds of food. Here are some ideas for what to eat with your qvevri wine
White Qvevri Wines
White qvevri wines are good with:
– Grilled fish
– Chicken dishes
– Soft cheeses
– Salads
Try a glass of Rkatsiteli with some grilled trout and a fresh salad.
Red Qvevri Wines
Red qvevri go well with:
– Grilled meats
– Stews
– Hard cheeses
– Mushroom dishes
A glass of Saperavi is perfect with a juicy grilled steak or a rich beef stew.
Orange Qvevri Wines
Orange wines are versatile. They can go with:
– Spicy foods
– Pork dishes
– Strong cheeses
– Roasted vegetables
Try a glass of Kisi with some spicy curry or a plate of roasted root vegetables.
Traditional Georgian Foods
If you want to try qvevri wine the Georgian way, here are some traditional foods to try:
– Khachapuri: This is a cheese-filled bread. It’s delicious with both white and orange qvevri wines.
– Khinkali: These are dumplings filled with meat or cheese. They go well with red qvevri wines.
– Mtsvadi: This is Georgian barbecue. It’s great with red qvevri wines.
– Lobio: This is a bean stew that pairs nicely with orange qvevri wines.
Remember, the best pairing is the one you enjoy! Don’t be afraid to try different combinations.
Why People Love Qvevri Wine
Qvevri wine is special for many reasons. Here’s why people love it:
1. It’s Natural: Qvevri wine is made with very little added to it. It’s just grapes and time!
2. It’s Different: Qvevri wine tastes different from other wines. It’s fun to try something new.
3. It’s Old: People like that qvevri wine has been made the same way for thousands of years.
4. It’s Healthy: Some people think qvevri might be healthier than other wines because of how it’s made.
5. It’s Part of Culture: In Georgia, qvevri is a big part of life and traditions.
Celebrating with Qvevri Wine
In Georgia, qvevri is a big part of celebrations. Here’s how they use it.
At Weddings – Qvevri wine is often served at Georgian weddings. The newlyweds might drink from a special horn filled with qvevri wine. This is supposed to bring good luck.
During Holidays – Many Georgian holidays involve drinking qvevri wine. For example, at New Year’s, people often open a special bottle of qvevri wine they’ve been saving.
At Dinner Parties – When Georgians have friends over for dinner, they often serve qvevri wine. The host might make toasts throughout the meal, each time drinking a bit of wine.
Stories and Legends About Qvevri Wine
There are many interesting stories about qvevri wine. Here are a few:
The Legend of How Wine Was Discovered
One Georgian story says that a long time ago, a man put some grape juice in a hole in the ground. He forgot about it for a while. When he came back, the juice had turned into wine!
The Warrior’s Qvevri
Another story tells of a warrior who buried a qvevri of wine before going to battle. He said that if he came back, he would drink it to celebrate. If he didn’t come back, his friends should drink it to remember him.
The Magic Qvevri
Some people in Georgia believe that if you bury a qvevri upside down in your vineyard, it will protect your grapes from bad weather.
Fun Facts About Qvevri Wine
Here are some interesting things you might not know about qvevri wine:
1. The biggest qvevri in the world can hold 10 tons of wine. That’s as much as a big truck!
2. In Georgia, some families have qvevri that are hundreds of years old. They’ve been passed down for many generations.
3. Making a qvevri takes about three months. The clay has to dry slowly to avoid cracks.
4. Some people in Georgia bury qvevri filled with cheese instead of wine. This makes a special kind of aged cheese.
5. In the old days, people would clean qvevri by climbing inside them. Now they use special brushes instead.
Qvevri Wine in Art and Culture
Qvevri is a big part of Georgian culture. You can see this in their art and traditions:
In Paintings – Many Georgian paintings show people making or drinking qvevri. These paintings often show big feasts or harvests.
In Music – There are Georgian songs about making wine and drinking it from qvevri. People often sing these songs at parties.
In Poetry – Georgian poets have written many poems about qvevri wine. They often talk about how the wine connects people to the earth and to each other.
In Movies – Some Georgian movies show qvevri winemaking. These movies help people in other countries learn about this tradition.
FAQs:
What wine is made in qvevri?
Many kinds of wine are made in qvevri. White wines like Rkatsiteli and Mtsvane are common. There are also red wines such as Saperavi and Tavkveri. Orange wines, made from white grapes like Kisi and Chinuri, are popular too. Both dry and sweet wines can be made in qvevri. The type of wine depends on the grapes used and how long it stays in the qvevri.
What is the kvevri method?
The kvevri method is how qvevri wine is made. First, grapes are crushed and put in a big clay pot called a qvevri. This pot is buried in the ground up to its neck. The grape juice is left to turn into wine, which can take months or even a year. The wine is stirred now and then. When it’s ready, it’s taken out of the qvevri. This method is special because the clay pot and being underground change how the wine tastes.
Why is Georgian wine special?
Georgian wine is special for a few reasons. It’s very old – people have been making wine in Georgia for about 8,000 years. The qvevri method is unique to Georgia. The country has many types of grapes that you can’t find anywhere else. Georgian wines often taste different from wines made in other places. Also, wine is a big part of Georgian culture and traditions.
Is Georgian red wine good?
Many people think Georgian red wine is very good. The most famous Georgian red wine is called Saperavi. It’s dark red and tastes like berries and spices. But remember, whether a wine is “good” depends on what you like. Some people love Georgian red wine, while others might prefer other kinds of wine.
Is Georgian wine natural wine?
Many Georgian wines, especially those made in qvevri, are considered natural wines. This is because they’re often made with no added chemicals. The winemakers usually don’t add extra yeast or sugar. The wine ferments naturally in the qvevri. But not all Georgian wine is natural wine. Some bigger wineries in Georgia make wine more like it’s made in other countries.
How popular is Georgian wine?
Georgian wine is getting more popular around the world. More wine shops in Europe and North America are selling it. Some fancy restaurants are putting Georgian wine on their menus. Wine experts are writing about Georgian wine and giving it good reviews. More people are visiting Georgia to try the wine. But Georgian wine is still not as well-known as wine from places like France or Italy. It’s popular with people who like to try new and different wines.
Wrapping Up: Your Qvevri Wine Journey
We’ve learned a lot about qvevri wine! From its long history to how it’s made today, qvevri wine is special. It’s not just a drink, but a way to connect with history, nature, and other people.
Whether you’re sipping a glass of amber-colored Rkatsiteli or a deep red Saperavi, remember the story behind it. Think about the clay pots buried in the ground, slowly turning grape juice into something amazing.
Qvevri wine might not be for everyone, and that’s okay. But if you get a chance to try it, give it a go. You might discover a new favorite drink. Or you might just gain a new appreciation for how many different ways there are to make wine.
So here’s a toast, as they might say in Georgia: To qvevri wine, and to trying new things!
