Typical markers of Saperavi variety have been identified

27.12.2018 (Hvino News). The basic typical organoleptic characteristics (markers) of Georgia's Saperavi variety have been identified by Georgian Sommelier Association with the support of National Wine Agency and Wine Laboratory Ltd.

Within the frames of the International Sommelier Association (A.S.I.) 49th General Assembly held in Tbilisi, was arranged International Session of organoleptic identification of main aromatic and taste characteristics (markers) of Saperavi – “Saperavi Grand Tasting”. More than 200 professionals participated in the session: the full members of the Georgian Sommelier Association, the leading Georgian oenologists, the Presidents of National Sommelier Associations of 63 countries and the best sommeliers of the World and Europe of different years. More than 70 samples of the country’s best Saperavis were presented. The results were summarized recently.

Press Release

The First Saperavi World Prize: RESULTS

Ambassador Lukas BEGLINGER: Our decision to stay in Georgia reflects optimistic view of its perspectives and continued support to Georgian people

special guest

18.12.2018 (Hvino News). For a professional diplomat, His Excellency Ambassador Lukas BEGLINGER has made a very unusual career twist. At a recent farewell reception in Tbilisi, he announced that he opted for early retirement from the Swiss diplomatic service. 

The reason why he left a prestigious government job is that he and his wife decided to stay in Georgia, and to focus on something completely new – the Georgian wine export.

In an exclusive interview to Hvino News, Mr. Beglinger answered our questions, uncovering what motivated him to trade a comfortable ambassadorial position for a somewhat unpredictable private entrepreneurial venture.

Alexander Kaffka, publisher of Hvino News: Dear Lukas, thank you for your time. Formally, you are not an official anymore. But, in the eyes of many people, you will remain a very influential figure for many years to come. A decision such as this one must have a political dimension, especially now in the aftermath of presidential elections. It sends a strong message, confirming a high level of internal stability of Georgia, supporting the positive image of the country. Do you agree, and is this part of your intention?

Lukas Beglinger: My early retirement from the diplomatic career was motivated by purely private, personal considerations, and so was my and my wife's wish to stay in Georgia. Of course, we would not have taken such a decision in the absence of sufficiently stable and favorable conditions in Georgia. In this sense, our decision reflects our optimistic view of Georgia's perspectives and our intention to continue supporting the Georgian people on their path towards a better life and increased prosperity.

AK: My next question is not why, but when. When was the first time the idea of remaining in Georgia came to your mind? Perhaps there was some event, or a meeting with someone, which became a cornerstone affecting your decision?

"Forbes": Why Georgian wines are among the most unique on the planet

by Lana Bortolot

10.12.2018. When archaeologists last year found traces of winemaking on 8,000-year-old pottery shards in Georgia, the tiny former Soviet republic claimed the crown as the world’s oldest wine producer.

It was an affirmation for many long-standing fans of the country and its winemaking tradition, which is ancient and, at the same time, a grassroots movement. Georgia’s hallmark is white wines that stay in contact with their skins, stalks and pips for months and further ferment in huge clay amphorae (qvevri) buried in the ground. It’s a trend that’s caught on elsewhere in the world, but its deep roots lie in Georgian culture.

“What’s happening now is a revival,” says Alice Feiring, author of For the Love of Wine: My Odyssey Through the World’s Most Ancient Wine Culture. A natural wine advocate, Feiring has long traveled in the country, and her 2016 book—a love letter to Georgian people and traditions—charts the modern (re) discovery of the wine culture and some of the struggles to remain true to its heritage.