Georgian winemakers restoring country’s ancient grape varieties | 60 Minutes

Summary

The script explores Georgia's rich winemaking history, dating back 8,000 years with evidence from pottery residues. It features the Alioni Monastery's monks, who continue ancient winemaking traditions using 'qvevri' clay pots. The country's diverse grape varieties, unique to its soil and climate, are highlighted, along with the efforts to revive indigenous vines. The script also touches on Georgian cuisine's evolution, the importance of wine in Georgian culture, and the global embrace of Georgian wines, including the distinctive Amber wine.

Takeaways

• 🍇 Scholars suggest Georgia as the birthplace of wine, with evidence of wine residue on pottery dating back 8,000 years.
• 🏰 The Alioni Monastery in the Kheti region is a testament to Georgia's ancient winemaking tradition, with vines dating back to the 6th century.
• 🙏 The Georgian Orthodox Church plays a significant role in preserving the country's winemaking heritage, with monks tending to the vines and producing wine.
• 🍷 Georgian winemaking is unique, using traditional qvevri (large clay pots) for fermentation, storage, and aging of wine.
• 🌍 Georgia's location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia has influenced its diverse and rich culinary and wine culture.
• 👩‍🍳 Chef Tekuna Gachechiladze is leading a culinary revolution in Georgia, blending traditional dishes with modern techniques and wine pairings.
• 🌾 The Georgian government is making efforts to reclaim and cultivate indigenous grape varieties that were nearly lost during the Soviet era.
• 📈 Georgian wine exports have been growing, with a 30% increase in shipments to the United States in the last year alone.
• 🍇 The diversity of Georgian wines, including reds, whites, and ambers, is gaining international recognition and appreciation.
• 🥂 The traditional Georgian feast, or Supra, is an integral part of the country's culture, often involving wine, toasts, songs, and dance.

Q & A

Which country is considered by many scholars to be the birthplace of wine?

Georgia, a small former Soviet Republic, is considered by many scholars to be the birthplace of wine.

How old is the wine residue found on pottery in Georgia?

The wine residue found on pottery in Georgia dates back 8,000 years.

What is the significance of the Towering Mother of Georgia statue in Tbilisi?

The Towering Mother of Georgia statue in Tbilisi symbolizes the country's hospitality, with a sword in one hand to fend off enemies and a bowl of wine in the other to welcome friends.

What is unique about the winemaking process at the Alaverdi Monastery?

At the Alaverdi Monastery, wine is made in a traditional way using giant clay pots called 'qvevri' buried underground to ferment, store, and age the wine.

How many bottles of wine do the monks at the Alaverdi Monastery produce?

The monks at the Alaverdi Monastery produce up to 50,000 bottles of wine with a capacity of 30 tons.

What is the spiritual significance of grapes in Georgian culture?

In ancient Georgian culture, grapes held a sacred place, considered a divine drink offered to the gods to win favor, and soldiers wore grape vines in their uniforms for protection.

Who is Tekuna Gachechiladze and what is her contribution to Georgian cuisine?

Tekuna Gachechiladze, known as the Godmother of Georgia's culinary evolution, has revolutionized Georgian cuisine by creating adventurous menus and wine pairings at her popular restaurant Cafe Leter.

How has Georgian cuisine been influenced by its geographical position?

Georgia's cuisine has been influenced by its position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, incorporating tastes, spices, and cooking methods from various regions around the world.

What is unique about Georgian 'Amber' wine?

Georgian Amber wine is unique because it is made from white grapes but has a color and flavor profile that is different from typical white wines, and it can be paired with a variety of foods.

How did John Wurdeman, an American, become an ambassador of Georgian wine?

John Wurdeman, after falling in love with Georgia during a visit, moved there and started Pheasant's Tears Winery, focusing on reviving ancient winemaking methods and restoring indigenous grape varieties.

What is the significance of the traditional Georgian feast called 'Supra'?

Supra is a traditional Georgian feast typically held after significant life events, involving food, wine, toasts, and songs, symbolizing the sharing of knowledge and learning from one another.