π· Qvevri wine
Georgian wine fermented and aged in large clay jars buried in the ground.
Qvevri wine is Georgian wine that ferments and matures in large clay jars buried in the ground. Qvevri are egg-shaped, and their insides are coated with beeswax. The jars come in different sizes, and the largest hold 3,000 litres or more.
Juice is put into the qvevri together with the skins, seeds and stems, sealed with a lid and left for months. The earth keeps a constant coolness, and the clay lets in air gently. White wines made this way come out amber. They are called orange wines. Red wines, for example from Saperavi, are also made in qvevri. Among whites, Rkatsiteli is used most often.
In 2013 this method was added to the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage. The Kakhetian and Imeretian methods are distinguished. Similar jars in Spain are called tinajas, and wines from them are called amphora wines. Qvevri wine is part of Georgian wine and one of the oldest winemaking methods on Earth. Georgia's protected designations are also tied to qvevri.
What it includes
How it connects to Wine
π· Qvevri wine β kind of β π· Types of wine β kind of β π· Wine
Links
- Part of
- π· Types of wine
- Where it is made
- πΊοΈ Georgian wine
- Related to
- π Rkatsiteli, π Saperavi
- Similar and different
- π· Orange wine, π· Kakhetian method, π· Imeretian method, π· Talha wine, π· Amphora wine, π·οΈ Georgian PDO wines, π₯ Chacha
Frequently asked questions
What is qvevri wine?
Georgian wine that ferments and matures in large clay jars buried in the ground.
When was the method added to the UNESCO list?
In 2013.
Which grapes are used for qvevri wine?
Among whites most often Rkatsiteli, among reds Saperavi.
What to read next
- π₯ Chacha β A strong Georgian spirit made from grape pomace.
- π· Kakhetian method β A Georgian method: the juice ferments in qvevri together with skins, seeds and stems.
- π·οΈ Georgian PDO wines β More than 20 protected wine names in Georgia, such as Tsinandali and Kindzmarauli.
- π· Talha wine β A Portuguese wine from Alentejo fermented in large clay jars.
Similar
π· Amphora wine Β· π· Orange wine Β· π· Talha wine Β· π· Homemade wine Β· π· Natural wine Β· π· Wine cooler
β οΈ Wine contains alcohol: adults only, drink in moderation. Wine usually contains sulphites; egg white or milk proteins are sometimes used for fining β important for allergies and for vegans.
Sources
- Wikipedia (en)
- OIV, International Code of Oenological Practices
- UNESCO: Ancient Georgian traditional Qvevri wine-making method
- National Wine Agency of Georgia