Amphora aging (qvevri)

Amphora aging involves fermenting and maturing wine in earthenware jars rather than oak barrels or stainless steel. In Georgia the qvevri, a large egg-shaped vessel buried in the ground, naturally regulates temperature and allows extended contact with the grape skins. This tradition, inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2013, produces amber-hued whites of tannic texture and pure fruit expression, free of oak influence.