In a country overflowing with native grape varieties, it’s inevitable that the origins of some may fade into obscurity. Khikhvi is one such grape – it grows widely in Eastern Georgia, thought to originate in Kakheti, but no-one knows where the name originates. Khikhvi vines produce a relatively small number of grapes. Though the harvest is…
Georgian Wine Essentials – a webinar On the 23rd April Georgian Wine Essentials was the topic of a webinar hosted by Master of Wine, Sarah Abbott. The webinar, which was attended by 100 wine professionals from the UK, USA and beyond, covered the fundamentals of Georgian wine regions, culture, history, grape varieties and wine styles.…
Lockdown is making life far more challenging for us all but we’ve found a silver lining is a heightened appreciation for what we put on our tables. With summer fast approaching, thoughts turn to the delicious lighter foods and drinks we can enjoy in the sunshine. Fingers crossed the British summer stays fine! Dzelshavi is…
In this virtual tasting, confirmed attendees will be sent samples of selected Georgian wines so we can taste them together and explore what makes the contemporary wine scene in Georgia so exciting. Georgia is an ancient in history and tradition – but it is also exuberantly dynamic. And her wines are just the same. We…
In this virtual tasting, confirmed attendees will be sent samples of selected Georgian Qvevri wine in advance of the event so we can taste wine together and learn about Qvevri wine. Qvevri are ancient clay fermenting vessels (sometimes called amphora) which solve a lot of wine- making problems, such as temperature control, healthy fermentation dynamics, cap…
30th April 2020 Georgian Wine in the UK – April Update Exports of Georgian wine to the UK have increased greatly: the latest figures from the National Wine Agency of Georgia show a tenfold increase year on year for the first quarter. This is despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, as Sarah Abbott…
Even wine lovers not versed in Georgian grape varieties will most likely have heard of Saperavi. As ancient as Georgia itself, Saperavi has done more for the profile of Georgian wine than any other grape. Saperavi originates from Kakheti, the central wine making hub in Eastern Georgia. It’s not only the most widely planted red…
On the scale of obscure indigenous Georgian grape varieties, Shavkapito takes the biscuit. Though once the favoured grape of kings, Shavkapito was only recently rediscovered. Indeed, it’s so rare that there’s no more than an estimated 24 hectares planted in the Kartli valley. The region is itself undergoing a winemaking renaissance making Shavkapito and Kartli…
What do sharks and wine have in common? Not much! Though this grape is nicknamed after one the ocean’s most elusive predators: Hammerheads. These red grapes are evocatively nicknamed for the unusual flat top of each bunch. Tavkveri is highly unusual in that it is a female vine. Most cultivated grape vines are hermaphroditic, which…
In this webinar, learn about the varieties, styles and regions of Georgia Find out how ancient wine informs the modern in Georgia. Explore why Georgian wine is expanding so quickly in the UK. Hear about the Georgian answer to popular styles such as Malbec and Pinot Grigio. Explore the history and contemporary relevance of unique…