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

60 Minutes

27 Nov 202322:13

EducationalLearning

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TLDRThe video script delves into the rich history and cultural significance of wine in Georgia, a country believed to be the birthplace of wine with evidence dating back 8,000 years. It explores the traditional winemaking process using clay pots called "qvevri," which are buried to maintain a constant temperature, and the role of Georgian Orthodox monks in preserving ancient vineyards. The script also highlights the influence of Georgian wines globally, the efforts to revive indigenous grape varieties, and the unique Amber wine that can be paired with a variety of dishes. The story features individuals like Chef Takuna Gichl and John Wurdeman, an American who established Pheasant's Tears Winery, contributing to the revival and promotion of Georgian wines. The narrative is a testament to Georgia's resilience and its deep connection with wine, which is intertwined with its national identity and hospitality.

Takeaways

🍇 **Wine's Ancient Origins**: Most scholars agree that Georgia, a small former Soviet Republic, is the birthplace of wine, with evidence dating back 8,000 years.
🏰 **Cultural Significance**: Wine has a deep cultural significance in Georgia, historically considered a divine drink and integral to religious and social traditions.
📜 **Monastic Preservation**: Georgian Orthodox monks have been the guardians of ancient vineyards, with the Alaverdi Monastery dating back to the 6th Century and continuing the tradition of winemaking.
🏺 **Unique Winemaking Methods**: Georgian winemaking uses traditional methods, such as fermenting, storing, and aging wine in large clay pots called "qvevri" buried underground.
🌐 **Global Recognition**: Georgian wine, including its unique amber wine, is gaining global popularity, with increasing exports to countries like the United States.
🍷 **Wine Diversity**: Georgia is home to over 500 native grape varieties, contributing to a diverse range of wine types and flavors.
🌱 **Revival of Indigenous Varieties**: There is a national effort to recultivate ancient grape varieties that were nearly lost during the Soviet era when diversity was sacrificed for quantity.
🍽️ **Culinary Fusion**: Georgian cuisine is a fusion of influences from its geographical position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, and this is reflected in its culinary practices and wine pairings.
🎓 **Culinary Evolution**: Chefs like Tekuna Gachechiladze are credited with revolutionizing Georgian cuisine by innovating on traditional recipes and promoting the country's culinary heritage.
🎉 **Hospitality and Tradition**: The Georgian tradition of the "Supra," a lavish feast with toasts, songs, and dances, is a significant part of their culture and hospitality.
🌟 **Ambassadorial Efforts**: Individuals like John Wurdeman, an American who started Pheasant's Tears Winery, have played a role in putting Georgian wines on the global map and preserving ancient winemaking practices.

Q & A

Which country is often credited with the invention of wine?
-Georgia, a small former Soviet Republic, is considered by most scholars to be the birthplace of wine.
How old are the wine residues found on pottery pieces in Georgia?
-The wine residues found on pottery pieces in Georgia date back 8,000 years.
What is the significance of the Towering Mother of Georgia in Tbilisi, the capital city?
-The Towering Mother of Georgia is a monument that symbolizes the country's resilience and hospitality, with a sword to fend off enemies and a bowl of wine to welcome friends.
What is unique about the winemaking process at the Alaverdi Monastery?
-The Alaverdi Monastery uses traditional Georgian methods, including fermenting, storing, and aging wine in large clay pots called qvevri, which are buried underground to maintain a constant temperature.
How many grape varieties are grown on the monastery's grounds?
-Today, there are more than 100 grape varieties, some dating back 900 years, still grown on the monastery's grounds.
What is the role of Takuna Gichi L in Georgian cuisine?
-Takuna Gichi L is known as the Godmother of Georgia's culinary evolution, running the popular Cafe Lera in Tbilisi and being credited with revolutionizing Georgian cuisine.
How does the Georgian wine industry contribute to the country's culture and history?
-Georgian wines are deeply intertwined with the country's culture and history, with wine being considered a sacred drink in ancient times and a symbol of Georgian identity and heritage.
What is the significance of the amber wine in Georgian culture?
-Amber wine, also known as orange wine, is a unique type of Georgian wine that can be paired with a variety of foods. It is made using the traditional method of co-fermentation with the grape skins, which gives it its distinct color and flavor.
How has the popularity of Georgian wine grown internationally?
-Georgian wine has gained popularity globally, with nearly 1.5 million bottles shipped to the United States in a year, marking a 30% increase from the previous year.
What is the role of John Wurdeman in promoting Georgian wines?
-John Wurdeman, an American who moved to Georgia, started Pheasants' Tears Winery and has become an ambassador for Georgian wine, helping to put Georgian wines on the map and menus around the world.
How does the Georgian government support the revival of indigenous grape varieties?
-The Georgian government opened two research centers to locate, study, and grow rare grape vines. Scientists gather data and DNA from grape leaves, and healthy vines are replanted to revive the country's ancient grape varieties.
What is the significance of the Supra feast in Georgian culture?
-The Supra is a traditional Georgian feast that is a celebration of life and culture, often involving toasts, songs, and dancing. It is a time for sharing, learning, and celebrating Georgian traditions, including winemaking.

Outlines

00:00

🍇 The Ancient Roots of Georgian Wine

The script introduces the debate over which country invented wine, with a focus on Georgia as the potential birthplace. Scholars suggest that wine residue on pottery in Georgia dates back 8,000 years. Despite invasions and wars, Georgian grapes have survived, and the country's deep history of winemaking is explored through a visit to the Alioni Monastery, where monks have been the guardians of ancient vines for centuries. The story highlights the traditional winemaking process using clay pots called 'qvevri' and the sacred significance of grapes in Georgian culture.

05:02

🎶 The Chant and Cuisine of Georgian Culture

This paragraph delves into the cultural significance of wine in Georgia, as exemplified by a haunting chant within a cathedral, which survived attempts to erase Georgian culture. The cathedral's survival is a testament to the resilience of Georgian heritage. The narrative then shifts to the influence of wine on Georgian cuisine, as told through the story of Takuna Gichi, a chef who has played a pivotal role in the country's culinary evolution. Her restaurant, Cafe Leter, is renowned for its adventurous menu and wine pairings. The paragraph also discusses the fusion nature of Georgian cuisine, shaped by its location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.

10:02

🏺 The Revival of Georgian Wine Traditions

The script introduces John Wman, an American who became an ambassador of Georgian wine after falling in love with the country and its culture. He established Pheasants' Tears Winery, which focuses on reviving ancient grape varieties that were nearly lost during the Soviet era. The paragraph outlines the efforts to rekindle the diversity of Georgian wine, including the establishment of research centers to study and grow rare grape vines. It also touches on the unique winemaking process using qvevri and the importance of understanding how wines develop over time.

15:04

🎉 The Georgian Supra: A Celebration of Harvest

The narrative describes a traditional Georgian feast known as a Supra, which is a lavish meal accompanied by song and dance, celebrating various life events including harvests. The Supra is portrayed as an opportunity for people to share knowledge and learn from one another. The paragraph also discusses the challenges faced in promoting Georgian wines globally, including the complexity of the wine names and the unique amber color of some wines, which can be off-putting to those unfamiliar with them.

20:05

🌍 The Global Embrace of Georgian Wines

The script concludes with the growing global popularity of Georgian wines, which are now exported to over 65 countries. It attributes this success to persistent efforts to educate the world about the unique qualities of Georgian wine culture. The paragraph highlights the growth of new vineyards and the revival of ancient winemaking traditions as a source of celebration for Georgians and an exciting opportunity for the rest of the world to experience the country's rich history and culture through its wines.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Wine

Wine is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented grapes or other fruits. In the context of the video, wine is central to the culture and history of Georgia, with evidence suggesting it is the birthplace of winemaking, dating back 8,000 years. The video explores the deep connection between Georgian society and its wine, including traditional methods of winemaking and the significance of wine in religious and social ceremonies.

💡Georgia (country)

Georgia is a country located at the intersection of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. The video highlights Georgia as the cradle of wine civilization, showcasing its ancient winemaking traditions, the diversity of its grape varieties, and the resilience of its wine culture through various historical periods, including the Soviet era.

💡Aloian Monastery

The Alovi Monastery is a significant location in the video, representing the long-standing tradition of winemaking in Georgia. It is a medieval compound where monks have been the guardians of ancient vines for centuries. The monastery is also a symbol of Georgia's religious and cultural heritage, which is closely intertwined with wine.

💡Qvevri

Qvevri are large clay pots traditionally used in Georgia for fermenting, storing, and aging wine. They are buried underground to maintain a constant temperature, which is a unique aspect of Georgian winemaking. The video describes how Qvevri are used to produce wine with a distinct character, contributing to the country's rich winemaking heritage.

💡Indigenous Grape Varieties

Indigenous grape varieties refer to the native types of grapes that have evolved naturally in a particular region. The video discusses how Georgia is home to hundreds of indigenous grape varieties, many of which were preserved during the Soviet era by Georgians growing them in their backyards. These varieties are now being recultivated as part of a national effort to revive Georgia's ancient winemaking traditions.

💡Wine Export

Wine export refers to the process of shipping wine from one country to another for sale. The video notes the growing popularity of Georgian wine globally, with a significant increase in the number of bottles exported to the United States and other countries. This growth signifies the international recognition of Georgian wine and its expanding market.

💡Culinary Culture

Culinary culture encompasses the practices, traditions, and history of food and drink in a particular region. The video emphasizes the integral role of wine in Georgian culinary culture, with chefs like Takuna Gichi revitalizing traditional recipes and creating innovative dishes that pair with the diverse range of Georgian wines.

💡Supra

Supra is a traditional Georgian feast that is often accompanied by wine, toasts, and songs. The video describes Supra as a social event that celebrates various life occasions and is a showcase of Georgian hospitality. It is a communal affair that reflects the importance of sharing and togetherness in Georgian culture.

💡Orange/Amber Wine

Orange or Amber wine is a type of white wine made using the technique of leaving the juice in contact with the grape skins, which imparts a characteristic color and flavor. The video addresses the unique nature of these wines and the preconceptions that consumers may have about them, highlighting how they are a distinctive part of Georgia's wine offerings.

💡John Wurdeman

John Wurdeman is an American who moved to Georgia and became an ambassador for Georgian wine. The video features his story of establishing Pheasant's Tears Winery and his efforts to revive ancient grape varieties and traditional winemaking methods. His role illustrates the international interest and investment in preserving and promoting Georgia's wine culture.

💡Cultural Resilience

Cultural resilience refers to the ability of a culture to withstand challenges and maintain its identity. The video portrays the resilience of Georgian wine culture through various historical periods, including invasions and the Soviet era. The preservation and revival of ancient winemaking practices and grape varieties symbolize the strength and continuity of Georgia's cultural heritage.

Highlights

Georgia is considered by many scholars to be the birthplace of wine, with evidence of wine residue on pottery dating back 8,000 years.

The country's history of winemaking is deeply intertwined with its culture, with a tradition of sacredness attributed to wine in ancient times.

Georgian soldiers historically carried a piece of grapevine in their uniforms for protection, symbolizing the eternal nature of Georgian vines.

The Alioni Monastery in the Ketti region is a significant site for wine production, with monks maintaining ancient vines and producing up to 50,000 bottles of wine.

The traditional Georgian method of winemaking involves fermenting, storing, and aging wine in large clay pots called 'qvevri' buried underground.

Georgian wines, including a unique amber variety, are gaining global popularity, with a 30% increase in exports to the United States in the last year.

American John Wurdeman, co-founder of Pheasant's Tears Winery, has played a significant role in reviving ancient Georgian wine varieties and promoting them worldwide.

The Georgian government has opened research centers to study and grow rare grape varieties, contributing to the country's wine renaissance.

Georgian wines are made from over 500 native grape varieties, showcasing the country's rich viticultural diversity.

The traditional Georgian feast, known as a Supra, is an integral part of the country's culture and often involves extensive toasting, singing, and dancing.

Georgian wines are described as complex, with the amber wine being versatile and able to pair with a variety of foods.

Chef Takuna Gichilishvili, known as the Godmother of Georgia's culinary evolution, has modernized Georgian cuisine while respecting traditional recipes.

Georgia's geographical position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia has led to a unique fusion of culinary influences in its traditional dishes.

The color of Georgian amber wine has been a point of confusion for some consumers, but it is highly regarded for its unique taste and versatility.

Georgian wines have been embraced globally, with more than 140 million bottles exported to over 65 countries last year.

The revival of ancient winemaking practices and the promotion of indigenous grape varieties are seen as a form of cultural independence from Georgia's Soviet past.

The growth and diversity of Georgian wines are celebrated as a return to the country's rich historical and cultural heritage.

Transcripts

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Related Tags

Wine History Georgian Culture Ancient Vines Winemaking Culinary Tradition Monastic Wine Terroir Wine Export Cultural Heritage Cuisine Fusion Wine Tasting