Forbes published an article last week by contributor Lana Bortolot titled "Why Georgian Wines are Among the Most Unique on the Planet." 

Bortolot is a wine, food, and travel reporter who holds the Advanced Wine & Spirits Education Trust certificate and has covered wine regions in more than 16 countries.

In the article, Bortolot explores Georgian wine culture, the role of wine in modern Georgian society, and the technical side of Georgian wine. The piece is peppered with quotes from Georgian wine lovers:

"Even where we think a culture like France or Italy is so wine-centric, Georgians just take it to a whole different level—much deeper than what we’re exposed,” - Taylor Parsons

"There’s something very particular about how Georgians love wine,” he said. “It’s a little eccentric but then you start looking into it and once you do, you’re truly amazed—it’s such an integral part of the culture and everyday life.” - Noel Brockett

"One of the most important things about Georgian wines is that it’s a window into a culture that most of us as Westerners simply don’t have," - Simon J. Woolf

Bortolot goes on to focus on orange or amber wines, a style growing in popularity worldwide that has long been part of Georgia's tradition. She also recounts a legend, which said that, in ancient times, "soldiers wove a piece of grapevine into the chain mail protecting their chests, so when they died in battle, a vine sprouted not just from their bodies, but their hearts."

The article introduces readers to several Georgian wine makers - locals and expats, high end factories and garage operations - celebrating the varied, inclusive culture of Georgian wine.

The article ends with a wine sampler. Bortolot recommends Kisi, Mtsvane, Rkatsiteli, Saperavi, and Tsinandali for beginners.

To read the whole article, visit Forbes online.

By Samantha Guthrie

Photo: Lana Bortolot, Forbes