Although Armenia is primarily known and famous in the world thanks to Armenian cognac, wine production here deserves no less attention. If we talk about the export of alcoholic beverages from Armenia, then Armenian wines take the second place by the volume of the exported product, after cognac. What is the secret?
History
Armenia is a country with rich culture and ancient history. Thus, it is considered that winemaking on the territory of Armenia arose many years before our era. There is a biblical legend about the fact that Noah, having descended on Mount Ararat, planted a grapevine – this is how the tradition of winemaking in the territory of modern Armenia was laid.
Archeological excavations have discovered the world’s oldest winery in the caves near the village of Areni, which is more than 6000 years old! Traditions and ways of making wine have been passed down from generation to generation for centuries. Therefore, it is not surprising that today the taste and uniqueness of Armenian wines are unique.
Geography
Armenia, due to its geographical position, as well as its climate, possesses terroirs that are ideally suited for grapes. The stony volcanic soil with the hot southern sun provides conditions not only for normal ripening, but also for the accumulation of up to 30% sugar in the berries. And this fact applies not only to grapes, but also to other fruits that grow in Armenia and from which they also make wine. And the fact that the vineyards are located high above the sea level allows the grapes to ripen completely and evenly. It is for these reasons that there are about 400 varieties of grapes in the country, many of which are endemic.
Production
Fermentation and aging of wine takes place according to Armenian winemaking traditions. Although there are winemakers who have adopted European technologies in the production of wines, the leading specialists in wine production adhere to traditional methods. Grapes are fermented in clay amphorae, and aging takes place in containers made of Karabakh oaks, which give the wine a chocolate aroma, as well as creaminess and an almond tone. It is the combination of these technologies and the use of endemic varieties (that is, varieties that grow and exist only in a specific region) that gives the unique and unique taste of Armenian wines.
Variety of varieties
Everything above gives excellent soil for winemaking in Armenia. It becomes clear why there are so many varieties of Armenian wines. There is something here not only for lovers of classics (“Chardonnay”, “Merlot”, “Cabernet Sauvignon”, “Cabernet Franc”), but also for lovers of exotic and authentic tastes. Let’s take a closer look at the main types of wines that are produced only on the territory of Armenia.
- Areni black – red type, the most ancient grape variety in Armenia, named after the village of Areni, the vineyards occupy about 800 ha in Vayots-Dzore. Late-ripe and with high sugar content, local “pinot noir”
- Voskehat – white variety, named after the village of Voskehat, where there are about 40 hectares of vineyards. In Soviet times, the production of local sherries was based on it.
Kakhet – red endemic, the most widespread in the Ararat valley. It gives a rich color and tone of the grape. - Kangun – breeding species as a result of crossing Rkatsiteli with Sukholimansky white. It grows in the Ararat valley, has high acidity and a moderately expressive aroma.
- Akhtanak – crossbreeding of Saperavi varieties and 40 years of October. Grows in Aragatsot region. It is used in the production of red table wines.
Well, let’s not forget about fruit wines, which are an important part of culture. Thanks to the southern climate, fruit trees grow well here, giving incredibly sweet fruits, from which unusual, aromatic wines are obtained. The most popular wines are of course pomegranate and apricot wines – national symbols. Wines are also produced from quince, mulberry, strawberries, plums, blackberries, cherries, raspberries.
Main wineries:
- Karas Winery – the most innovative enterprise of Armenia, working with classic European grape varieties.
- Karas White – Chardonnay, Cancun, Rkatsiteli
- Karas Muscat – Muscat Ottonel
- Karas Reserve – Sira, Montepulciano, Pti Verdo, Ancelotta
2. Voskeni Winery – organic winery, working with autochthonous varieties of Armenia.
- Voskeni White – Voskate 90%, Garandmak 5%, Chilar 5%
- Voskeni Red – blend of Areni and Khndohni
3. ArmAs – the “new wave” project of Armenia, working under the curatorship of Italian oenologists.
- ArmAs Rose
- ArmAs Karmrahyut
- Armas Voskehat Reserve
- ArmAs Areni Reserve
4. Armenia Wine – one of the largest wine companies in Armenia.
- Takar White – Kangoon 100%
- Takar Red Reserve – Areni 80%, Saperavi 20%
- Tariri Red – Areni 50%, Cabernet Sauvignon 25%, Merlot 25%
5. Van Ardi – autochthonous varieties are used, which grow on their own vineyards
- Kangun – Kangun 100%
- Areni Reserve – Areni 100%
6. Hin Areni – winery located in the ancient village of Areni. Wine in an elegant modern style. Main variety – Areni.
7. Zorah – one of the leading companies in Armenia. Specialization – red wines (vinification in clay vessels) from Armenian autochthons.
8. Maran Winery – wines from rare autochthons Tozota, Avagi, Khatuna Kharji
- Bagratuni White – Aligote, Khatun Kharji
- Bagratuni Red – Areni
The variety of Armenian wines makes your eyes wide open, so if you need wholesale import, the exportarmenia.am platform will provide you with all the necessary data and organize a minimal export of the product for testing.
