Zorah Karasi 2021

Zorah Karasi, an unparalleled red wine from the picturesque Vayots Dzor region in Armenia, paying homage to a winemaking tradition that dates back an astonishing 6,100 years. This wine, steeped in respect for its heritage, undergoes refined aging in traditional amphorae, with the name "Karasi," derived from the Armenian word for "of amphorae," revealing its profound significance. At the heart of Karasi lies the unique Areni grape variety, possibly one of the oldest in the world, thriving for millennia in Armenian soil. These grapes are nurtured in vineyards that majestically sit at an altitude of 1,400 meters. Ungrafted and purely indigenous (pre-phylloxera), Areni embodies Armenia’s ancient viticultural history. The wine undergoes careful fermentation with native yeasts and then rests for approximately 12 months in “Karas” – the distinctive clay amphorae. After a subtle filtration, it further matures for about six months in the bottle. With an alcohol content of 13.5%, this remarkable wine reveals its versatility as the perfect companion for various occasions, enriching every experience with its refinement and character.  

Zorah Karasi reveals a light, brilliant purple hue in the glass that captivates the senses. The aroma is infused with smoky notes of mulberry and cassis, creating an enticing bouquet that sparks curiosity even before the first sip. With every taste, a delightful clarity of cassis emerges, accompanied by the refined elegance of grapes reminiscent of the distinctive Beaujolais style. What sets this wine apart is its exceptional acidity, which adds a juicy and approachable character to every sip. Its smooth drinkability is further enhanced by ripe tannins that provide depth and structure to the vibrant fruit. The fusion of these elements creates a harmonious and balanced tasting experience. Zorah Karasi truly comes into its own when paired with culinary delights. A recommended pairing is with roasted meats, where the wine perfectly complements the flavors and aromas of the preparation. It also shines in the presence of dark red fruits, further emphasizing its complexity and depth of flavor. To unlock the true expression of this wine, we recommend serving it at an ideal temperature of 15ºC.

Zorah Wines is a prestigious and highly successful Armenian wine company. It was founded in 2003 by Zorik Gharibian, an Armenian who grew up in Italy. From the very beginning, the goal was to place Armenian wine on the map within the international premium segment. This was achieved with the renowned Italian winemaker Alberto Antonini, who previously made wine for Antinori and Frescobaldi in Italy. Zorah works with indigenous Armenian grape varieties and uses amphorae for fermenting the wine, a tradition that has been practiced in Armenia for 8,000 years.