Zorah Karasi, Areni Noir, Vayots Dzor, Armenia, 2021

Overview of the Wine
This wonderful journey into the world of wine began many years ago when Zorik visited Armenia for the very first time in 1998. At ZORAH we strive to craft wines which are ambassadors of a place, of a people and of an ancient culture full of history. We are convinced that Vayotz Dzor has one of the greatest terroir’s in the world and that in this gnarled, rugged land the extraordinary can be achieved.

At the foothills of Biblical Mount Ararat, in the remote village of Rind in the heart of Vayotz Dzor and a stone’s throw from the world’s oldest winemaking facility (the six thousand year old Areni 1 cave), the vineyards and winery of ZORAH straddle across rugged mountains reaching elevations of 1600mtrs /5250ft above sea level making them some of the highest vineyards in the northern hemisphere.

ZORAH represents years of passionate work with a dedicated team whose powerful vision and curiosity has propelled them forward in testing new possibilities in an effort to create something unique. 

Winemakers
Zorik & Oshin Gharibian, Alberto Antonini (Consultant Winemaker)

Grape / Blend
100% Areni Noir

Origin
Arpa Valley, Vayots Dzor, Armenia 

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
In fact in the archaeological excavations of Areni Cave in Vayotz Dzor, Armenia (dating back 6000 years) pips and stems were unearthed, carbon dated and the DNA analysed. It was established that the modern day Areni variety can be traced back to these ancient pips. Never grafted and on its own roots it is 100% indigenous to this land & with a unique DNA profile that does not match any other. Extremely resistant to disease and with a very thick skin Areni Noir has developed the unique capacity to adapt perfectly to the extreme climate of Vayotz Dzor, its natural habitat.

Smoky silky elegance with scents of dark berries herbs pepper and anise. Pairs well with all red meats and spicy food, Armenian barbeque and other local dishes.

Exotic and textured, a deep and rich wine with great fruit and firm long finish and great tannins.

90 Points - Decanter
Complex and textured, with grainy, textured tannins and fresh acidity supporting concentrated, structured tones of coffee and raspberry.

Product size: 750ml