Beverage Dynamics is the largest national business magazine devoted exclusively to the needs of off-premise beverage alcohol retailers, from single liquor stores to big box chains, through coverage of the latest trends in wine, beer and spirits.
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/379477
BY HARRIET LEMBECK, CWE, CSS IF YOU REALLY CARE ABOUT WINE, you should think seriously about making the journey to the country of Georgia. You will experience true hospitality, tradition, wine- making, and still be close enough to the Black Sea's famed resorts when you are ready to relax. And if you like to ski, there are the slopes of the Caucasus Mountains right there as well. FYI, I have just returned from a visit, and saw no sign of any of the unrest that's been in the news lately. There is instead a sense of calm and welcoming. To the Georgians, a guest is a gift from God. And the best way to greet a guest is to serve one's own wine, made from one's own grapes. No patch of land goes vacant, and grapes grow on what elsewhere might be a lawn. Further, every home winemaker has a still, and he will also pour you his clear pomace brandy, or Chacha. If you go to a Georgian banquet, dishes will be continually placed on the table, and nothing will be cleared until the end — in case the guest might want a little more of anything! Walnuts are the preferred stuffi ng for confections, fruits, vegetables and even boned fi sh. Meals are leavened with toasts. The toastmas- ter shows gratitude for the Creator, for food, for friendships, for all the women, for beauty, for love, for people who have passed away and for the children looking to the future. HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE Georgia is referred to as the 'Cradle of Wine, since wine has been made there continu- ously for the last 8,000 years (The Georgians say "8,000 Vintages"). There was very early winemaking in Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Crimea, Armenia and Moldava, but all evidence points to at least 6,000 BCE, if not before, for the fi rst propagation of wine grapes — in Georgia — in the Fertile Crescent. Records show 525 grape varieties, including clones, of which 440 are still in use. Do not despair — even if you go there and taste a lot of wines, you are not likely to come across more than twenty, if that many. The white Rkatsiteli and the red Saperavi are the most prevalent, but you may see some international varieties as well. Historically, this tradition was interrupted for about seventy years, when Russia took over between 1921 and 1991. The Russians knew that banning the production of wine was hopeless in Georgia. 'Georgia' is synonymous with 'wine.' But with wine permitted, the Russians were more interested in high volume than in quality, and after three generations, much of the fi ne wine tradition was lost. Many of today's winemakers are now working to restore it. NOT THE GEORGIA OF PEACHES, BUT THE GEORGIA OF WINE AND WALNUTS Retail EDUCATION Dead Bolt Inked — A Stamp of Distinction By Matt Foley, Brand Director for Dead Bolt, Pernod Ricard USA "Advertorial Feature Brought to You by Pernod Ricard USA" Dead Bolt is an intriguing wine created for people who make their own rules. There are no guidelines, recipes or boundaries in the creation of Dead Bolt, just the winemaker's philosophy, experience and vision. Inspired by our bold commitment to doing things our own way, we set out to create one of the most interesting and intriguing labels in the wine industry. The result is Dead Bolt Inked, a limited edition, high-impact bottle design created by world-renowned tattoo artist, David Hale. Hale is considered a master of his craft. His Dead Bolt artwork takes its inspiration from the majestic Eagle, a symbol of confi dence and independence, while his rich red, black and grey color palate perfectly captures the essence of our Winemaker's bold Red Blend. The strikingly detailed package will create effortlessly eye-catching displays that will command shopper attention and consideration this holiday season. The back label introduces the partnership between Dead Bolt and David Hale and tells the story of how his unique artwork was in- spired by Dead Bolt's commitment to individuality. At Dead Bolt, we encourage consumers to explore their passions and express themselves in what- ever form they choose. We chose tattoo art created by David Hale to bring his artwork to life in a way that consumers can touch, taste and enjoy. Advertorial One of many paintings of the Madonna, holding grapes for the Child, in the 6th C. Jvari Monastery in Mtskheta. This painting also has grapes carved into the frame. PHOTO BY HARRIET LEMBECK www.beveragedynamics.com