Qvevri wine, also known as Georgian or Kakhetian wine, is a unique type of wine that has been made for centuries in Georgia. Qvevri wine is made by fermenting grape juice in large clay pots called qvevris, which are buried in the ground up to their necks. The use of qvevris is a traditional winemaking method that has been passed down through generations and is considered an important part of Georgia's cultural heritage.
Qvevri wines are often associated with natural winemaking, as the use of qvevris allows the wine to ferment with minimal intervention. The wine is often unfiltered and made using native yeasts, which can give it a distinct and complex flavor profile. Qvevri wines can range from white to red, and are typically full-bodied and tannic, with a rich, earthy flavor. Best known however are the orange wines made from qvevris; made by adding white grapes to the qvevri with skins and all and allowing for a (long) period of skincontact.
In recent years, qvevri wines have gained popularity among wine enthusiasts around the world, due to their unique and complex taste, as well as their connection to a rich cultural tradition. Also, many qvevris are now being exported out of Georgia to all other winemaking countries and its natural winemakers. The ancient shape of the qvevri has proven perfect for soft, long fermentations so popular in natural wine (and cider).
Whether you're a wine connoisseur or just curious to try something new, qvevri wine is a fascinating and delicious example of the diversity of the world of wine. They are the perfect food wines and a great unexpected gift to bring to a table.