GRAPE VARIETY – Voskéat & Garandmak - Blend in equal parts

Both ancient native grape varieties, Voskèak and Garandmak, have been present in Armenia for millennia. In the archaeological excavations of Teishebiani fortress from 8th century BC, grape seeds, reminiscent of Voskèat and Garandmak, were unearthed in Karasses (Armenian amphorae) indicating that these varieties were used for wine production during the ages. Both Varieties are present throughout Armenia’s territory but, the exceptional terroir of Vayotz Dzor , with its high altitudes and elevated daytime temperatures, contrasting with the cool nights, yield distinctively balanced fruit in this region and highlight the full potential of these grapes. Voskèat in translation “Golden seed”is considered Queen of Armenia’s grapes. It is a delicate golden coloured grape with small compact, relatively thin skinned berries and cross shaped bunches. Garandmak, in translation “Fatty tail”, one of the most popular grapes, is a

much hardier variety, greenish yellow in colour, with larger thicker skinned berries and compact bunches.

TERRITORY

The pinnacle of high altitude viniculture ZORAH’s vineyards are at 1400mtrs / 4500ft asl. A Phylloxera free terroir with low vigour,

sub-alkaline, sandy, soil rich in limestone and large stones.

2018 VINTAGE INFORMATION

A year characterized with initial frost, a rainy spring followed by a long, hot summer with high day-time temperatures and strong sunlight balanced with fresh cool nights, with day/night temperature differences averaging 20°C during harvest. Dry until end of September when picking started. Harvest end of September. Hand picked.

VINIFICATION AND AGING

Fermentation in large temperature controlled concrete vats with no epoxy using only natural yeast. Aging continued in concrete vats for 11 months with further 6 months in bottle.

TASTING NOTES

Rich in stone fruit and pear depth with excellent freshness. Aromatic with a bone dry mineral/chalky quality to the texture with great depth on the pallet