In Qvevri Veritas
Check out the list of the best wines born in Qvevri, the oldest traditional Georgian winemaking method.
The winemaking tradition is older than Christianity. The first signs of wine found on Earth are more than 8,000 years old.
By the way, those samples were found in Georgian amphoras called “Qvevri” in Georgia 🇬🇪.
Winemakers worldwide went from making wine in amphoras to wooden barrels and finally to stainless steel. However, in Georgia, most vineyards kept their traditional winemaking method, Qvevri 🏺.
Why it matters
Kvevri or Qvevri is large earthenware vessels used for the fermentation, storage, and aging traditional Georgian wine.
Kvevri has to be buried in the ground, and the wine macerates in it for several months with the skins, seeds, and stems of grapes.
In Georgia, winemakers bury Kvevries in the ground before building a house.
Only after Kvevries are set the development of the estates begins. So to say, “Kvevri first.”
In 2013 UNESCO inscribed Ancient Georgian Traditional Qvevri Wine-Making Method on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Papari Valley
Sandro Kurdadze, while living abroad and working for an international wine-importing company, bought an old vineyard in Kakhetiya, Georgia.
He cut out the aged wines, planted new ones, and then waited 12 years for them to grow.
“I realize I won't be able to taste the best wine from these vineyards. The vineyards will reach their full potential when they are 30-40 years old. Then the wine still has to age. So my grandchildren will taste the best wine from these vineyards.” - Sandro Kurdadze.
Papari Valley is famous for its red (Saperavi) and orange (Rkatsiteli) wines made in 3 Terraces Qvevri.
Firstly, the wine is kept in amphoras (Qvevries) on the first floor of the estate ⤵️
Then the wine pours over to the second Qvevri, which is located lower ⤵️
Finally, when the time comes, the wine goes down to the basement to the third Qvevri 🏺. All that with the help of pipes and gravity, no pumps.
Pheasant's Tears
In 2005, when an American art student, John Wurdeman, was painting in a Georgian vineyard, he met Gela Patalishvili. Gela is a winegrower whose family’s connection with wine lasts eight generations. That day both decided to team up.
Pheasant’s Tears’ most famous wine is Rkatsiteli - an amber-skin contact wine.
Pheasant’s Tears’ Qvevri wine may be found all over the world, including in the best restaurants in the world, such as:
Palomar (Michelin Bib Gourmand Award since 2014)
P.S. “Pheasant’s Tears” refers to a Georgian story in which only the very best wines are good enough to make a pheasant cry.
Iago's Wine
Iago Bitarishvili is a master of only one type of grapes 🍇 - Chinuri.
Iago’s orange Chinury was recognized by:
Iago’s Wines have cooked fruit aromas. Fine tannins add substance and depth. While the notes of undergrowth, pepper brings complexity.
Iago’s Chinuri can be found in the very best restaurants in the world, such as:
Enigma restaurant in Barcelona ( * Michelin Star)
Where to buy
Papari Valley Saperavi 2020
Pheasant’s Tears Rkatsiteli
Iago’s Wine Chinuri