Let’s take a trip to Georgia, no, not that one – The Republic of Georgia. Situated on the bank of the Black Sea, Georgia is where primitive winemaking began nearly 8,000 years ago. The country is known for “orange” wine, and no, it’s not made from oranges. The wine is made from white grapes, although the grape skins are left on during fermentation, extracting seductive aromas and electric colors. Fermentation and aging all happen in the traditional qvevri (KWEV-REE), a large clay pot buried into the earth – a centuries-old tradition, still alive and well today.
Sipsteria, a Georgian natural wine bar with another location nearby in the Morningside Heights neighborhood, checks all the boxes for a good time. The cozy atmosphere makes you feel like you stepped into a Georgian grandmother’s kitchen, where she knows exactly what you need, no thinking required. Although the Georgian culinary and wine culture is adequately represented, you’ll find delicious styles of natural wines from all over, even orange wine from California. Pair wines with juicy Khinkali, or soup dumplings – suggested to eat with your hands, with the morsel flipped upside down. Don’t question, lean into it.
Suggested Wines to Try:
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Stori, Rkatsiteli-Mtsvane 2013 – Kakheti, Georgia
Dried stone fruits – apricots, peaches, and juicy apples- layered with notes of Oolong tea and citrus oil.
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Domaine des 2 Anes, ‘Fontanilles’ Red Blend 2022 – Corbières, France
Grenache, Syrah, and Carignan – the ol’ Southern France wine stew- exudes confidence with juicy plums and garrigue spice.
