Results from the International Qvevri Wine Competition – held in Georgia from 17- 18 June have been announced. The event was held in partnership, for the first time, with the Italy’s renowned Merano WineHunter and Merano Wine Festival.

Organised by the Georgian Wine Association, the Georgian Ministry of Environment & Agriculture and the National Wine Agency of Georgia, The International Qvevri Wine Competition recognizes and awards the best qvevri-made wines to the world, promote the production and consumption of qvevri wines, raise the awareness of qvevri wines produced in different countries. The winning wines will be and placed and promoted on the online platform Merano Wine Hunter.

Qvevri are large clay vessels used for the fermentation, storage and ageing of traditional Georgian wine. These large, egg-shaped amphorae, usually buried below ground or set into the floors of large wine cellars. In 2013 UNESCO approved Qvevri for inclusion in its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

While established in its own right for six years, in 2022 the International Qvevri Wine Competition was held under the moniker "The Qvevri Wine Hunter Award" in honour of the historic collaboration with the Merano Wine Festival partnership. Georgia is the first country to host the Merano Wine Festival outside Italy, with the festival a highly anticipated annual event that has been running successfully since 1992.

The 2022 International Qvevri Wine Competition (Qvevri Wine Hunter) featured 351 samples from 105 wineries. The highest honour, Platinum (95 - 100 points), was given to just three wineries and wines: Shumi for its Iberiuli Khikhvi 2019; Anbani  for its Anbani Rkatsiteli 2019; and Kakhetian Wine Cellar for its Kisi 2020.

The next honour, Gold (93 - 94.99 points), was given to 32 wines. A further 113 wines were awarded the Rosso (90 - 92.99 points) rating, signifying very good quality wines.

Mr Irakli Ghaduashvili (head of PR Department) representor of Georgian Wine Association, one of the chief organizers of the competition and event, said, “The event was an outstanding success. We saw more entries than ever before. This all serves to grow global interest in qvevri wines and traditional, handcrafted winemaking.

“We were excited to have different qvevri wine samples from Georgia, South Africa and Italy, among other countries. This competition will help increase the production and quality of amber and qvevri wine worldwide.

“All winning wineries will be posted on the Wine Hunter's website. This is a quality indicator that tens of thousands of people trust, giving them increased confidence when buying qvevri wines, especially if they are approaching this category for the first time.”

The judging process is a key element to the Competition. To ensure integrity of the results, the International Qvevri Wine Competition entries wines were blind tasted and evaluated by a group of Georgian and Italian wine experts.

Key member of the judging panel included: Mr Helmut Koher (Founder and Director of Wine Hunter, Merano Wine Festival); Mr Gogi Dakishvili (Orgo Wines & Dakishvili Family Vineyards); Mr Levan Mekhudzla (Chairman of National Wine Agency of Georgia); Mr Guido Inverness (Italian Sommelier Association); Mr Vladimir Kublashvili (Oenologist, Khareba Winery); Mr David Chichua (Oenologist, Professor of Agricultural University of Georgia); and Mr Rezi Tsetskhladze (Oenologist).  

Mr Gogi Dakishvili, judge and internationally-revered Georgian Oenologist, Orgo Wines & Dakishvili Family Vineyards, said “The competition was very professional and successful – a true showcase of wines from different wineries and qvevri wine styles. High-quality red and white/amber qvevri wines were presented. The best absolutely deserved Platinum, Gold and Rosso ratings. It was fantastic that visitors could taste the winning wines at the Merano Festival at Chateau Mukhrani.”

Mr Helmut Koher, Judge and Founder and Director of Wine Hunter, Merano Wine Festival, said “I am very pleased that for the first time in the history of Georgian wine and the history of the Merano Wine Festival, the competition and festival were held outside Italy - in the homeland of wine, Georgia!

“It was our great pleasure to be at the historic palace of Chateau Mukhrani, where qvevri wines of Georgian and quality Italian producers were presented to wine lovers. Preparations for next year have already begun, and we will continue the tradition laid this year!”

Mr Rezi Tsetskhladze, Judge and Georgian Oenologist, said, “A wonderful array of qvevri wines were presented at the wine competition in 2022, primarily Georgian, but also top quality international examples from Italy, South Africa, Spain, France, Hungary and Slovenia. It is thoroughly gratifying to experience first-hand and taste how Georgian winemaking and viticulture is developing year to year and impacting global winemaking practices.”

Debra Meiburg, Master of Wine said “The Qvevri is such a unique and vital part of wine history, heritage and new evolution. In Georgia, of course, the qvevri has been integral for more than 8000 years. Internationally, however, many regions are just discovering the magic of qvevri winemaking as categories such as skin contact wines emerge into the mainstream premium wine markets. 

"Qvevri amber wines offer a true bridge between red and white wines - a whole new world of flavours and textures to wine connoisseurs. They also truly connect with consumers seeking authentic, artisanal, handcrafted wines. 

"Top restaurants and bars in trendy wine cities like London, Paris, Sydney, New York, Berlin, Copenhagen and many more have established amphora and skin contact sections on their wine lists already for a number of years now. The market is growing year on year. Awards like the International Qvevri Wine Competition offer consumers and trade guidance on these wines, as they explore Georgia and the other regions experimenting with qvevri or working hard to perfect their qvevri wines."

Commenting on the Platinum award winners, judges said, “The 2019 Khikhvi by Shumi Winery was clear, bright amber, intense, and fruity, with apricot and dry herb aromas. Soft on the nose and palate, with silky and balanced tannins, medium+ acidity, and a long finish, enjoyable and excellent wine.”

Praise from the judges for Platinum-winning Anbani’s wine was “2019 Rkatsiteli by Anbani Winery was a clear, pristine amber. Intense nose of tropical and stone fruit, with apricot and herbal aromas. Fresh on the nose and palate, with silky tannins, medium acidity and a long finish, enjoyable and gastronomic wine. With one inhale of its heady aromas, it's possible to travel around Georgia.”

On the third Paltium award-winner, Judges said, “The 2020 Kisi by Kakhetian Wine Cellar (KGW) is a clear, deep amber hue. Intense nose of ripe stone fruit, with dry apricot and dry herbal aromas. Delicate on the nose and palate, with soft tannins, balanced acidity and a medium finish, enjoyable wine.”

2022 Merano Wine Festival took place at Chateau Mukhrani, Georgia’s Royal Chateau. Visitors to the festival had the opportunity to taste and purchase the presented wines along with a host of gastronomic products. The event included culinary master classes, seminars, and tasting of the awarded wines of International Qvevri Wine Competition, as well as other Italian and Georgian wines.

Distinguished guests of the festival included Mr Helmut Koher, Founder and Director of Wine Hunter, Merano Wine Festival, along with two international experts - Mr Guido Inverness a representative of the Italian Sommelier Association, and Mr Dante del Vecchio, a wine journalist and wine consultant for the Campania region.

Along with the Merano Wine Festival Italian delegation, Neapolitan cuisine maestro chef Mr Antonio Tubeli, visited Georgia and organised culinary master classes at Chateau Mukhrani Palace during the Merano Wine Festival.

Chateau Mukhrani is Georgia’s Royal Chateau, located in Karlti, a 30-minute drive from the capital, Tbilisi. A unique estate, producing world-class wines, Chateau Mukhrani unites four key components: vineyards, winery, castle and history. Mukhrani’s wine production was established by Ivane Mukhranbatoni, a famous representative of the royal family and political and public figure of the 19th century. In 1876, Ivane Mukhranbatoni returned from France with Chateau concept knowledge, and since then, the history of Château Mukhani's winemaking started. Renovation of the palace to its former glory was completed this year.

Full results can be found on the GWA website - https://gwa.ge/qgsk_/2022-2/

Results can be found at the Wine hunter website - https://winehunter.it/?lang=en

Detailed information about Merano Wine Festival and Collaboration - https://meranowinefestival.com/en/eventi/mwf-the-official-selection/