Vine and Wine

Georgia - a country of ancient traditions of viticulture and winemaking. In the culture and life of the Georgian people vine and wine play a significant role. All through the ages, Georgians raised grapes and improved technology of different wine types' infusion.

Grapevine has played an important role in the development of the Georgian spirituality and religion. Conversion of Georgia to Christianity is associated with the name of St. Nino. In 336, she came to Georgia with a cross weaved of vines and fastened with her hair, and propagated Christianity here. The cult of the cross entwined with grapevine exists only in Georgia, as a symbol of the Orthodox Church.
In the XII century, the son of David the Builder, King Demetre wrote the church song "Song of the Vine." This is the only case in the world, when the vine is glorified in the song.
Georgia is the birthplace of wine. This is evidenced by archaeological findings dated by the Bronze Age. Such found items as pots, cups, and others, are associated with winemaking.
Kakheti - is the main region of Georgian wine. 65% of the vineyards of Georgia are grown in Kakheti. Common species of grapes in Kakheti, which should be noted, are: white grapes "Rkatsiteli", "Mtsvane Kakhuri" (green Kakhuri), "Khikhvi", "Kisi", and others. And the red kind – "Saperavi". The vineyards are at the altitude of 400-800 meters above sea level.
In Kakheti grow the worldwide known specific brands and types of wine, named after the area where the grapes grow, "Manavi", "Gurjaani", "Kindzmarauli", "Kardanakhi", "Mukuzani", "Akhasheni", and others.

Grape growing and winemaking is also well-developed in other regions of Georgia - Kartli, Imereti, Guria, Racha-Lechkhumi, Samegrelo.
Grapes harvesting is called "rtveli." Grapes are cut and placed in a special vessel of cylindrical shape "godori."
In Georgia, anciently, wine was pressed in a special dish "satsnekheli", which is made of special resistant material - wooden sieve. Grapes, put in "satsnekheli", are tramped there. Juice of tramped grapes then runs from "satsnekheli" to a wine jug "kvevri." "Kvevri" is a traditional large wine jar buried in the ground; it is made from clay. In "kvevri" the wine "boils" and is kept at the same temperature. In the jar the wine is stored maintaining a specific aromatic and pleasant taste. The wine contains 11,5-13% alcohol.

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