Stereotype – a prevailing belief, opinion, attitude about a person or product that has specific characteristics. A widespread misconception completely changes the perception of the product, loses its value.
Yes, Georgia is really the homeland of wine, although the stereotypes spread in the 20th century are still relevant today. What types of stereotypes exist and should they be destroyed or replaced – we talked to sommelier Nika Tinashvili about this topic.
T: is it possible to destroy stereotypes in wine?
Stereotypes should always be destroyed. Not only in winemaking, in my field and in any current. For example, in impressionism, the stereotype of the line, if not broke, would remain within the same limits. Accordingly, it is also in wine. However, templates and clichés are a bigger problem is Georgian wine that stereotypes. Time kills the latter, and I wish I knew what kills the cliché.
T: how would you classify stereotypes?
I do not work with wines that were accepted as micro zones during the Soviet Union: Kindzmarauli, Mukuzani and etc. I think it was decided by the wrong people at the wrong time. In my opinion, our ancestors did not make a drink semi-sweet wines. This was caused by the market – everyone wanted Georgian wine. Soviet people were very underdeveloped in terms of enogastronomy. To some extent, we continue the same story today.
Let’s rebrand. Do not be half sweet. Racha have been putting wine in Qvevri since long time ago. Because of fluctuating temperature – winter was coming soon and residual sugar remained in the wine, though not as a semi-sweet wine.
T: the most common stereotypes:
Most often I come across the stereotype of “black wine”, mostly said by the older generation, which is result of Russian influence.
“This wine I good, it does not make me sick” – that is what I get the most angry about.
The image of Stalin on the label – recently a friend sent me how Georgian wine with the image of “this dictator” is sold in New York.
Khvanchkara’s label which is red because, Stalin wanted it, which is still the case.
T: what should be destroyed and what not?
I do not have a complex of stereotypes, there are stereotypes that I like: a liter bottle of wine, drinking wine from a glass. In general, wine should be served, which glass is more comfortable. The “Piala” process is very interesting. It is a symbol of Georgian hospitality. I am mainly concerned about Soviet stereotypes.
Even the biggest wine glass houses are switching back to stem less glasses. It is also an old stereotype that your hand warms the wine.
T: should we tear it down or replace it?
There is certainly development and progress. We should respect our parent for saving us and bringing us the traditions. It is necessary that we continue properly to provide for our children. We have an ancient culture and we are making the Alazny Valley, it is breaking, is not it breaking?!
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