A unique way of
winemaking

Georgians practice a particular way of winemaking. The wine is made in a conical clay vessel known as a Qvevri. Specifically, the wine undergoes both an extended fermentation and maturation in Qvevri; it`s a so-called Amber Wine. If entirely made according to the old tradition, whole bunches of grapes (with stalks) are run into a satsnakheli; a wooden trough typically carved a single piece of wood.

The grapes are foot-trod, so as not to damage the pips, then the must is run off directly into Qvevri. After pressing, the "chacha" (skins, pips, and stalks) are added to the Qvevri for the alcoholic fermentation, which may last any 20- 40 days, depending on the variety and the quality of the vintage. Once the fermentation is completed and the cap starts to sink, the filled Qvevri will be capped with stone or glass lids for the malolactic fermentation; the covers are then sealed hermetically with limestone clay or earth, and left in the ground until spring (typically late March or early April).

Then the wine is separated from Chacha and runs off into another Qvevri for another year of ageing. The process is similar for red grapes, but the period of skin maceration is shorter: usually one month, rather than four to six months. Qvevri-produced wines have a firm tannic texture across the palate; whites develop aromas of apricots, orange peel, and nuts; the reds become slightly meatier, with a chalkier touch.

This extended maceration through the spring is also known as eastern, or Kakhetian style winemaking, as it is associated with Kakheti, the eastern province, and source of 70% of all Georgian wine. Various Qvevri winemaking methods were defined by factors such as soil or climatic conditions, the wide variety of endemic vines and differences between micro-zones.

As proof of its cultural significance, and by principles of Convention on Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO, the status of National Monument of Intangible Cultural Heritage has been assigned to "The ancient Georgian tradition of Qvevri winemaking.

Dimitri (Tito) Rcheulishvili`s name is associated with introducing several foreign varieties of vines, including Cabernet, to Georgia.

Dimitri Rchulishvili was a successful engineer, who worked on projecting and building railway roads in Manchuria and eastern Russia. Soon after its completion, the railroad was tested by Emperor Nicholas II of Russia. He was so satisfied with the done work that awarded Dimitri with a significant amount of gold. The descendants of Rcheulishvili keep an old chest, with which he sent the gold home to his beloved wife, Sasha Javakhishvili.

After returning to the homeland, Dimitri Rcheulishvili bought large pieces of land in Vazisubani, Kakheti. He built a house and a Marani (a wine cellar) with his project and became a landlord.

Rcheulishvili`s family had a special friendship with Karalashvilis and Simashvilis. Both of these families lived in the village of Artana, located at the foot of the Caucasus. They were famous in Kakheti for exceptional singing and delicious wines.

Simashvilis were Karalashvili`s peasants. A family church built by them in the 16th century still stands to this day.

In the 17th century, King Vakhtang the Fifth, ordered to count Karalashvilis to build the village. They honestly fulfilled the command. Karalshvilis built the defensive wall as well as the village itself.

At this time, from the village Artana located in the southern part of Georgia, which was semi-Armenian and semi-Georgian, some families were transferred and settled in this area. Settlers named the village Artana.

Simashvilis were peasants under Karalashvili family influence. A family church built by them in the 16th century still stands to this day.

Both of these families lived in the village of Artana, located at the foot of the Caucasus. They were famous in Kakheti for exceptional singing and delicious wines.

Rcheulishvil`s family had a special friendship with Karalashvili and Simashvili families and often visited them in Artana. Because of this great friendship of ancestors, the descendants of the Rcheulishvili family bought vineyards in Artana and started making wine in 2007.

Today "Artana wines" is owned by Dimitri Rcheulishvili`s grandchildren - Anastasia Akhvlediani and Mariam Palavandishvili. They have been producing organic wines since 2014.