Zorah Yeraz 2018

Zorah Yeraz, a name that means "dream" in Armenian, representing Zorah's highest ambition and artistic vision. "Yeraz," the centerpiece of Zorah's Cru wines, is a masterpiece born from countless dreams. This exceptional red wine, originating from the stunning Vayots Dzor region, is crafted with great care and produced in limited, almost artisanal quantities. Handpicked grapes of the indigenous Armenian variety Areni Noir undergo a meticulous vinification process under Zorah's expert guidance. Fermentation takes place in raw, temperature-controlled concrete tanks using only natural yeasts, while aging occurs in traditional amphorae of various sizes for nearly 24 months, with brief periods in large, untoasted barrels to soften the tannins. The wine is then further aged for an additional 12 months in the bottle. With a delicate alcohol content of 13.5%, this wine offers a harmonious blend of power and elegance.  

In the glass, Zorah Yeraz shines with its deep ruby red color, offering an inviting bouquet of ripe red cherries and dark berries, intertwined with hints of pepper and subtle notes of cedarwood. With each sip, this wine reveals an intriguing depth and complexity, rooted in the rich history of ancient vines. Its medium body and perfectly balanced acidity create a harmonious synergy, with refined tannins, shaped by careful aging in oak barrels, coming together elegantly. Zorah Yeraz is the perfect companion for a juicy grilled red meat dish or a selection of robust cheeses. Serve this wine at a temperature between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius to fully experience its splendor.

Zorah was founded by Zorik Gharibian, an Armenian who studied in Venice and Milan before embarking on a successful career in fashion. Although he initially chose the world of haute couture, his deep passion eventually led him to a different craft: winemaking. In the early 2000s, Gharibian decided to return to his roots and established Zorah. He planted his vineyards amidst the impressive snow-capped mountains at an altitude of 1,400 meters above sea level, in the rustic village of Rind, located in Yeghegnadzor – the heart of Armenian winemaking. Here, he aimed to create wines that combine his modern vision with ancient traditions. The 40-hectare Zorah vineyard, ungrafted and situated on rocky, limestone-rich soils, is planted with carefully selected indigenous grape varieties, sourced from abandoned vineyards near a 13th-century monastery. This region is characterized by long, dry summers with intense sunshine and high daytime temperatures, which are tempered by cool breezes at night. These conditions provide an extended growing season that lasts until late October.