Zorah Wines: Reviving Armenia’s Ancient Winemaking Traditions
Zorah Winery was founded by Zorik Gharibian in 1998, with the mission to revive Armenia’s ancient winemaking traditions. Situated in the Vayots Dzor region of southern Armenia, the winery benefits from its proximity to the Areni-1 Cave, one of the oldest known winemaking sites in the world, dating back over 6,000 years. Zorah is known for embracing this ancient heritage while using modern, sustainable practices to produce premium wines that highlight the unique characteristics of the Armenian terroir.
Terroir and Vineyards
The vineyards of Zorah are located at an altitude of 1,400 to 1,600 meters above sea level, among some of the highest vineyards in the northern hemisphere. The volcanic and limestone-rich soils offer excellent drainage and impart a distinct minerality to the wines. The dry, continental climate of the region, combined with the high altitude, ensures that the grapes retain their natural acidity, creating balanced wines with vibrant flavors.
Zorah primarily works with Areni Noir, an indigenous Armenian grape variety that has been cultivated for millennia. Areni Noir is particularly well-suited to the harsh, rugged conditions of Vayots Dzor, producing wines with bright red fruit notes, silky tannins, and a distinctive spiciness.
Traditional Winemaking with Modern Innovation
Zorah has revived the use of karas (traditional Armenian clay amphorae), which are buried underground to maintain a constant temperature during fermentation and aging. This method, used thousands of years ago, enhances the textural complexity and natural freshness of the wines. The estate’s flagship wine, Karasi Areni Noir, is a perfect example of this approach, blending tradition and innovation to create a wine that is both modern and steeped in history. The wine is fermented using native yeasts and aged in a combination of amphorae and French and Armenian oak barrels, which add subtle complexity without overshadowing the fruit.
Zorah’s second key wine, Voski, is a white blend of Voskehat and Garandmak, two ancient Armenian grape varieties. These grapes thrive in the volcanic soils of the region and are fermented with minimal intervention, producing a wine with notes of pear, peach, and mineral undertones, perfect for those seeking a fresh, aromatic white.
A Global Ambassador for Armenian Wine
Zorah’s wines have gained international recognition, with Karasi being named one of the Top 10 Wines in the World by Bloomberg. The winery has played a crucial role in bringing Armenian wines to the global stage, proving that the country’s ancient winemaking traditions can produce world-class wines that appeal to modern palates.
