Armenian Wine
Armenia is one of the first places on earth where wines could be found. According to historians, Armenian winemaking dates back about six thousand years. Over the millenia winemaking has become an integral part of this Caucasian country. Nowadays the solid, but also fresh and sparkling wines have found their way to the rest of the world and now also to the Netherlands. Are you curious about what makes Armenian wines so special and how you can best enjoy the beautiful wines from this country? Below we would like to tell you more about this and take you on a small wine tour through Armenia and its wines.
Mount Ararat holds a central place in the history of Armenian wines and the nation itself. According to the Bible, it was here that Noah’s Ark came to rest after the great flood. Since ancient times, the finest vineyards of Armenia have thrived in the fertile soil at the foot of the mountain. Armenian wines can be recognized by a robust, but also pungent aftertaste. Depending on the type of wine, of course. Its specific flavor is due to the fertile soil, which consists of the volcanic rock and pumice of Mount Ararat (an ancient volcano). This soil is very fertile and is rich in minerals, making it the perfect breeding ground for making Armenian wines.
Armenian Wineries
Armenia is home to several wineries that craft Armenian wines using both traditional and modern methods. Drinkrituals takes pride in collaborating with these diverse producers and their unique offerings. Here, we present a selection of prominent wineries and artisans of Armenian wines for you:
Gevorkian Winery: Established in 2006, Gevorkian Winery is a relatively young yet progressive winery. Utilizing innovative techniques and benefiting from Armenia’s approximately 300 sunny days each year, they produce wines from a variety of grapes, berries, and other fruits.
Trinity Canyon Vineyard: Since 2009, Trinity Canyon Vineyard has been cultivating authentic Armenian vines. The winery’s high elevation, combined with volcanic gravel and sandy soils, contributes to the rich flavors of their wines.
Voskevaz Winery: Located in the Aragatsotn region, Voskevaz Winery has been dedicated to crafting high-quality wines in a traditional manner since 1932. While the production process has modernized, they continue to use jugs and wooden barrels for the storage and maturation of certain wines.
Zorah Wines: Founded in 2003, Zorah Wines is a prestigious wine producer aimed at the top segment of the market. Owner Zorik Gharibian has successfully created an impressive collection of premium Armenian wines, showcasing the country’s winemaking potential.
Armenian wines are crafted from classic grape varieties like Merlot and Chardonnay, as well as unique indigenous grapes. Notable Armenian grape varieties include Areni Noir, Khindogni, Charents, Kakhet, and Hagtanak. In addition to its diverse wines, Armenia is renowned for producing a wide range of brandies, commonly referred to as brandy in English. You can also discover these exquisite spirits in the Drinkrituals collection.
Taste the culture
Although Armenia has a rich winemaking heritage that dates back centuries, its wine culture has been overshadowed in Western Europe for some time. Now is the perfect moment to let Armenian wines shine again. Each sip embodies the ancient traditions and vibrant wine culture of this remarkable country.
In 2011, archaeologists discovered the world’s oldest evidence of wine production in the caves of Areni, indicating that this early “winery” was active as far back as 4000 BC. Despite the significant influence of the Soviet Union on Armenia in the 20th century, the country’s winemaking thrived, especially between 1940 and 1980, when production saw remarkable growth. However, after this period, Armenian wines gradually faded from the spotlight.
Today, wines from this Caucasian nation are experiencing a resurgence and gaining recognition from vinologists and wine enthusiasts around the globe.
Let us surprise you
Selecting the perfect wine can be a personal journey, and we at Drinkrituals are here to assist you every step of the way. We’re delighted to offer tips on our wines and grape varieties, helping you discover your new favorites.
In addition to wines, we’re eager to share information about other delightful beverages from our collection, including brandies and various mix boxes.
If you have any questions or want to learn more about a specific grape variety, type of wine, or wine-producing country, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
