Discovering the origins of wine is akin to uncorking a bottle of stories dating back thousands of years.
In a world where the names France, Italy, or Spain instantly conjure images of vineyards and cellar tours, there exists a hidden gem of wine history nestled in the heart of Europe: Georgia.
Beyond its picturesque landscapes and vibrant culture, Georgia proudly claims its title as the birthplace of wine. Archaeological findings suggest that wine production in this region dates as far back as 8000 BC, painting Georgia as a haven for any wine enthusiast seeking to unearth ancient viticulture practices.
Despite this rich heritage, a recent study by Mortar Research for Tbilvino revealed a surprising statistic: only 2% of the 2,000 international drinkers surveyed identified Georgia as the cradle of wine. This revelation is particularly striking considering the exponential growth in Georgian wine sales, which soared by 100% over an eight-year period. It appears that while Georgian wine is thriving in the market, awareness of its historical significance still lags behind.
The study also exposed a widespread ignorance regarding Georgia itself. Shockingly, only 29% of respondents correctly identified Georgia as a European country, with nearly 19% mistakenly associating it with Russia. Some participants even placed Georgia in locations as diverse as South America and the Bermuda Triangle, while a significant majority remained unaware that its capital is Tbilisi. Despite these misconceptions, Georgia stands tall with pride, boasting approximately 500 varieties of native grapes. Among these is Saperavi, heralded by Tbilvino as the "new Malbec," gaining international acclaim evidenced by the export of approximately 120 million bottles of Georgian wine last year alone.
Central to Georgia's winemaking tradition is the use of qvevris, large clay vessels buried underground. Unlike wooden barrels, qvevris do not impart their own flavors, allowing the development of fruit aromas and tannins, resulting in a complexity of flavor and texture unique to Georgian wine. However, the study revealed that a mere 19% of respondents were aware of this distinctive winemaking technique.
Yet, amidst this lack of awareness lies a glimmer of hope. An overwhelming 98% of respondents expressed a willingness to explore new wines, presenting an unprecedented opportunity for Georgia to showcase its exceptional wines while imparting knowledge about its illustrious wine heritage. With time, it is conceivable that more wine enthusiasts will raise their glasses to Georgia, toasting to its historic legacy as the birthplace of wine, and finding within each sip a narrative that has endured and flourished across millennia.
As the world gradually uncovers the hidden stories within each bottle of Georgian wine, a newfound appreciation for this ancient tradition is bound to flourish, ensuring that Georgia's rightful place in the annals of wine history is never overlooked again. Cheers to Georgia, where every pour is a testament to the enduring allure of the vine.