Karas Kraki Ktor Syrah Alluvial 2022

The Karas Kraki Ktor Syrah Alluvial is a characterful red wine from Armenia, originating in the Ararat Valley in the Armavir region. This area is known for its rich winemaking tradition and its favorable combination of soil types and climate, which contribute to the high quality of the grapes. This wine is made exclusively from 100% Syrah grapes. The grapes are carefully hand-harvested around mid-September in the early morning to preserve their optimal freshness. This is followed by a strict selection process in which only the best bunches are chosen in two stages. The vinification process is small-scale and artisanal. Fermentation takes place in small batches of approximately 400 kilograms of grapes, allowing each batch to be closely monitored and precisely controlled. The wine then undergoes fermentation and maceration, which together last around three weeks, under strictly controlled temperatures. This ensures an intensive extraction of color, aromas, and tannins, resulting in a full-bodied and layered wine. With an alcohol content of 14%, this Syrah offers a powerful yet well-balanced profile. The result is a combination of intensity and elegance, with a rich and refined flavor profile that remains beautifully harmonious.  

In the glass, this Syrah immediately reveals a deep, almost opaque ruby-purple hue, indicating a wine with great concentration and character. The nose is expressive and layered, opening with ripe dark fruit notes such as blackberries and black cherries, complemented by a distinct spiciness of pepper and other spices. In the background, a subtle earthy undertone adds extra depth, reflecting the alluvial soils of its origin. On the palate, the wine is powerful and full-bodied, yet remains beautifully balanced. The juicy dark fruit is supported by fresh acidity and firm tannins, which provide structure without becoming harsh. The finish is long and refined, lingering with spicy accents and a light smoky touch. Thanks to its rich and aromatic style, this is an excellent gastronomic wine. It pairs beautifully with grilled beef such as ribeye or entrecôte, as well as lamb dishes, stews, and game. It also performs very well alongside aged cheeses and barbecue dishes or meals with rich, full-bodied sauces. Serve preferably at 16–18°C and allow it to breathe briefly, for example by decanting, so that its aromas can fully develop.

Karas Wines combines sustainability, family tradition, and deeply rooted expertise in a beautiful winery located at the foot of the majestic Mount Ararat. The core of their mission is to create world-class wines, rooted in their own vineyards in Armavir, Armenia. The name of the winery, "Karas," refers to the "amphora" in Armenian, a sacred clay vessel that has been used for winemaking here for 6,000 years. This ancient oenological culture of Armenia serves as inspiration for the winery as they focus on the future of the birthplace of wine. They aim to put Armenia back on the map as a producer of the world’s most sought-after wines. Here, under the watchful eye of Mount Ararat, tradition and innovation come together to produce wines that capture the essence of this historic land.

Hidden in the shadow of the revered Mount Ararat, Armavir, with its rich terroir, proved to be a natural choice for the story of Karas Wines to unfold. The history of Armavir dates back to the Bronze Age, as evidenced by the discovery of amphorae that were used as far back as 6,000 years ago in the Areni-1 cave, just a stone's throw from the Karas winery. Along with other remarkable archaeological finds related to winemaking, this establishes Armenia as the oldest wine-producing culture in the world. While the past is deeply rooted in this project, Karas Wines also recognizes the crucial importance of responsible stewardship for the future. Thanks to the unique terroir of Armavir, characterized by fertile volcanic soils and a distinctive climate with significant temperature fluctuations, Karas Wines embraces a sustainable and organic approach in line with Bioma practices. This ensures that their vineyards thrive in healthy conditions, free from harmful chemical additives.