Qvevri
Definition
Traditional Georgian clay vessels used for fermenting and aging wine. Buried underground to maintain temperature stability.
Historical Context
Qvevri winemaking dates back 8,000 years in Georgia, representing one of humanity's oldest winemaking traditions. The practice received UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status in 2013. This ancient technique not only produces unique wines but also fosters community bonds and preserves ancestral knowledge, underscoring its cultural significance in Georgia.
Further Reading
For the Love of Wine: My Odyssey through the World's Most Ancient Wine Culture
By Alice Feiring (2016)
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