ArmAs, Aragatsotn, Karmrahyut

Producer Note

Armenia is known as the birthplace of wine, with biblical references to the region being planted with vines. Armenia also hosts the site of the oldest known wine making ruins, which date back 6100 years. Founded by Armen Aslanyan, ArmAs is revitalising Armenia's historic wine making legacy. Situated on the 45th parallel, the estate covers 180 hectares of stunning vineyard and orchards, on an undulating terrain of complex soils set against the backdrop of Mount Ararat. Passionate winemaker Emilio del Medico pays homage to this heritage by creating elegant and distinct wines from estate grown native varieties.

Vineyard

The ArmAs estate is located in the Aragatsotn Province (pronounced ARRA-gotsart'n), with vineyards ranging from 700 to 1,900 metres above sea-level. The altitude promotes a long ripening period; the vines produce concentrated fruit nourished by 300 days of sunshine per year, balanced by a freshness created by the cool summer nights. The un-grafted vines are planted in soils comprising 30 layers of volcanic, limestone and clay composition. The vineyard is made up of native varieties; and the indigenous Karmrahyut (pronounced KAR-mayut) really thrives in this terroir. Karmrahyut means ‘red juice’ in Armenian, which is demonstrated in the deep red colour of its wines. The grapes are manually harvested at optimum maturity.

Winemaking

After meticulous selection, the grapes were fermented at controlled temperatures of 25 to 27°C with selected yeasts. Lees contact with monthly bâtonnage gave the wine a rich texture prior to eight months ageing in stainless steel. The wine was made in an un-oaked style to preserve the purity of fruit and characteristics of the Karmrahyut variety.

Tasting Note

A superb example of Karmrahyut, showing intense aromas of mature red fruits, rose petals and spice which prelude a palate of pure energy. This powerful, full-bodied wine achieves excellent balance with firm tannins and finishes on notes of honey, laurel and vanilla. A beautiful melange in wild harmony.

Serving Suggestion

Lamb, barbecued meat, spicy stews or aged cheese.

Grape

Karmrahyut 100%