Georgia winemaking method included in UNESCO protected heritage listDecember 5, 2013 - 12:43 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Georgia’s traditional method of wine production, using underground clay jars for fermentation, has been placed on a UN list of protected non-material cultural heritage, according to RIA Novosti. A UNESCO committee awarded the Georgian jars, known as kvevri, protected status on Wednesday during a meeting held this week in Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku, to review new applications for the list. Georgian wine is traditionally sealed in the kvevri – amphora-like clay vessels that are buried underground up to the neck – for up to six months to mature, giving the liquid a distinctive earthy flavor. The fermentation tradition dates back about 8,000 years. Georgia’s Culture Ministry said the inclusion would help promote the popularity of its wine on the international market. Georgian wine returned to the Russian market earlier this year, after being banned in 2006 for allegedly poor quality standards, just as the countries were experiencing a period of heightened political tensions. Mongolian calligraphy, Italian violin craftsmanship and Chinese shadow puppetry are among the other protected traditions on the UNESCO list. Photo: RIA Novosti. Edisherashvili Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |