Zorik and Yeraz Gharibian founded Zorah Wines in 1999 with the first vintage released in 2010. The 15 hectare estate is located in the shadow of Biblical Mount Ararat, in the South West Armenian mountains, at 1400 meters of altitude: this is the Vayots Dzor wine growing region. 

Along with Georgia, Armenia lays claim to being the birthplace of wine. This is where the archeological evidence of the world’s oldest known winery has been discovered: the Areni 1 Cave, dating back to 5000 BC. The site is only a kilometer away from the estate.

Vayots Dzor has long dry summers with plenty of sunlight and high daytime temperatures that contrast with cool nights encourage a lengthy growing season. The phylloxera-free soils are rocky and rich in limestone, helping maintain moisture for the vines during the intense summer heat. These conditions enable the ancient native varieties Areni, Sireni, Chilar, Ararati, Voskèak and Garandmak, to reach their full potential.

While the Armenian wine industry was not able to flourish during the Soviet era, which at that time focused on Brandy production, Zorah is breathing new life into the country’s winemaking heritage. This is extreme agriculture, with no mechanization, focused on showcasing native old vines potential. Winemaking is minimalist with fermentation taking place in concrete tanks or terra cota amphorae (Karas in Armenian). The use of sulphites is judicious and no other inputs, or interventionist techniques are used. The resulting wines are pure, dense, dry, complex with long ageing potential. Decanting is recommended to fully enjoy these wines. 

More info https://www.zorahwines.com/

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PORTFOLIO

2017 Vayots Dzor Ungrafted Areni old vines

Whl. $36.86 • 6x750ml • sku 420720

20 cases available

Organic. 100% ungrafted Areni Noir. The vineyards are situated in the small rural village of Rind, high up in the mountains (1400m). The terroir is phylloxera-free, sub-alkaline, sandy, limestone-rich soil with large stones.

Hand harvested. Fermentation in concrete vats with indigenous yeasts. Aged in traditional clay karas for 12 months. The karas are of varying sizes and are buried up to three-quarters of their height. Bottled without filtration.

93 Decanter

This is a winery that pioneered a new generation of exciting wines in Armenia, rescuing a forgotten grape and ancient winemaking traditions through ageing in Armenia's heritage of clay jars called Karas. From a stunning vineyard at 1,400m surrounded by snow-capped mountains and consulted by Alberto Antonini, this is a fine, elegant wine with notes of violet and wild bilberry on the nose followed by juicy loganberry and supported by vibrant acidity and graceful tannins.

2019 Vayots Dzor Voski

Whl. $38.56 • 6x750ml • sku 394034

15 cases available

Organic. ungrafted old vines - 50% Voskèat, 50% Garandmak. The vineyards are situated in the small rural village of Rind, high up in the mountains (1400m). Terroir is phylloxera-free, sub-alkaline, sandy, limestone rich soil with large stones.

Voskèat in translation “Golden seed” is considered Queen of Armenia’s grapes.

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.

Hand harvested. Fermentation occurs in large, temperature controlled concrete vats which are left rough deliberately to favor micro oxygenation using only natural yeast. The ageing then continues in concrete vats for eleven months on lees with further six months in bottle. Bottled without filtration.

Dry wine with notes of Asian pears and white flowers, and unripe apples. In the mouth, silky flavors of apple, pastry cream, white flowers, and a hint of grapefruit have a nice bright briskness thanks to excellent acidity and a nice rich complexity.

2019 Vayots Dzor Heritage Sireni

Whl. $66.22 • 6x750ml • sku 420726

8 cases available

Blend of 80% Sireni (red) and 20% Ararati (white). Both are ungrafted.

Indigenous to the nearby region of Artsakh, Sireni is a mid-ripening red grape variety which grows exclusively there, at around 400m in clay sedimentary soils. The bunches are compact with very dark berries. It is resistant to summer drought but sensitive to cold winter temperatures.

Ararati takes its name from Armenia's sacred Mountain Ararat. Despite its high potential, this white variety is on the verge of extinction. The grapes are gathered from among random rows of 30/40 year old vineyards in the surroundings of Zorah estate.

Both grape varieties are fermented separately in traditional Armenian karasses which are buried ¾ in the ground. The Ararati is with skin contact. They are then blended together and aged for about two years in a mix of clay amphora (karasses) and rough concrete vats with no epoxy lining. A further 12 months in the bottle. Bottles with a light filtration.

Decanting recommended. Explosive, savory-edged, brambly, berry notes and big, chunky, dusty, nervous tannins. All of this really punching back on the palate. Quite a complex mix of tannins, somewhat like Nebbiolo or Aglianico’s extension into the finish, but also lip-smacking like Cabernet can sometimes be.

2020 Vayots Dzor Heritage Chilar

Whl. $66.22 • 6x750ml • sku 420723

8 cases available

Completely abandoned by locals and almost on the road to extinction, Chilar is an ancient grape variety indigenous to Armenia and present in the highlands of Vayotz Dzor. Grown at 1,400–1,500 m, the Chilar grapes are gathered from among random rows of old, local, small-plot vineyards in the surroundings of Zorah estate.

Ungrafted. Hand-picked. Fermented and aged in large traditional Armenian clay amphorae (karasi), with around 60 days' skin contact. Ageing in clay for around 9 months with a further 10 months in the bottle. Ambient yeast and very light filtration before bottling

95 Decanter

This Heritage label is 100% Chilar, an ancient native white grape of Armenia from vineyards located at 1,500 metres above sea level. The wine ferments in clay amphora, remaining in contact with the skins for about 60 days, and refines in the same container for another nine months. It's a pale lemon colour with aromas of pure white peach and pears and notes of anis. The wine is rich and intense without feeling heavy. All elements are well integrated, and a fresh, elegant, citrussy acidity remains long in the mouth.

2016 Vayots Dzor Yeraz Areni Old Vines

Whl. $125.48 • 6x750ml • sku 420732

5 cases available

100% ungrafted areni. Field blend from various ancient ultra-centennial bush vineyards spread around the property at 1600 meters of altitude. Meticulously hand picked. Fermentation takes place in rough, temperature controlled, concrete tanks using only natural yeast, while the aging is in traditional amphorae of varying sizes for almost 24 months with short passages in large untoasted cask to soften tannins. Further aging for 12 months in bottles. 

Mid cherry. Perfumed and sensual – red fruit but exotic in luxury. Tight and fresh and with sinewy energy and a lightness of touch. Lightly chewy texture, so much life and vibrant fruit but layered. Intoxicating aroma and then a lean runner in the mouth. Core strength. Very very long. Mineral finesse overall.