![[SOLD-OUT] Zorah Karasi Areni Noir 2016](https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-lifkcwga8l/images/stencil/1280x1280/products/17988/11085/img_3371__27395.1591267103.jpg?c=1 "[SOLD-OUT] Zorah Karasi Areni Noir 2016")
"The king of Armenia’s grapes and possibly one of the oldest grape varieties in the world Areni has been present in Armenia for millennia. Never grafted and on its own roots, it is 100% indigenous to this land with a unique DNA profile that does not match any other. Elegant and fresh, thick skinned and extremely resistant to disease, through the ages Areni has adapted perfectly to the high altitudes and extreme temperatures variations of Vayots Dzor, its natural habitat.
Stainless steel tanks have given way to temperature-controlled rough concrete vats in which the wines are fermented exclusively with indigenous yeast. The micro-oxygenation in the concrete is similar to that of the traditional clay amphorae ‘karas’ in which the wine is then aged for around twelve months. The ‘karas’ used are of varying sizes. Some are buried in the ground while others are above ground, each giving their own unique nuances to the wine they contain. After very light filtration the wine is aged for a further six months in bottle.
The vineyards are at altitudes of 1400m. It’s a phylloxera-free terroir with low-vigour, sub-alkaline sandy soil, rich in limestone and large stones. The cuttings of the vines come from ancient abandoned vineyards of a nearby 13th century monastery. The unique confluence of the environment - high altitudes, low-vigour soil, huge day/night temperature swings of 20°C and late October harvest - all contribute to the creation of a wine of tremendous character."
Zorah
"Meat, dried roses, red jelly, smoky dried herb. Medium-bodied, savoury, redcurrant and raspberry, dried herb and spice, earthy and jubey, chalky tannin, and a herbal and sweet finish of fair length. Very interesting. I have no idea what it is (tasted blind), but I like it."
Gary Walsh, Wine Front, April 2019
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