Zorah Heritage Chillar 2019

Drink type:
Dry white wine
Ingredients:
Chillar
Country:
Armenia
Producer:
Zorah Winery
Region:
Vayots Dzor
Maturation:
Amphorae
ABV:
13.5%
Volume:
750ml
Flavor profile:
Dry white wine, subtle slightly grainy structure, citrus fruits.
Serving temperature:
12°C
Combination Options:
Seafood, steamed chicken.
Explore the lush and intriguing world of Armenian wine with the Zorah Heritage Chillar. This surprising orange wine from Zorah reveals the true magnificence of a unique Armenian grape variety. Once neglected by the locals and nearly on the brink of extinction, the Chillar is an ancient indigenous grape from the Vayots Dzor wine region in Armenia. The grape clusters are elongated and cylindrical, with medium-sized berries that tend toward an oval shape and a greenish color, but more yellow on the sunny side. The grape skin is covered with a thin wax coating, protecting the berry from diseases and significant day-and-night temperature fluctuations. This wine undergoes natural fermentation and aging in ancient, imposing Armenian clay amphorae, known as Karasì, with about 60 days of skin contact. The aging process continues in local clay amphorae for approximately nine months, followed by another 10 months in the bottle. Before being bottled, a gentle filtration is applied. With a balanced alcohol content of 13.5%, the Zorah Heritage Chillar exudes a restrained elegance. Let yourself be enchanted by this unique wine and discover the deep-rooted traditions that lie behind every sip. Look forward to an unforgettable journey through the rich Armenian wine culture! Cheers to the beautiful experience ahead!
 
 
   

The Zorah Heritage Chillar truly unfolds as a masterpiece of sublime refinement and intriguing texture. This white wine reveals a captivating palette of flavors, where the velvety ripeness of pears and juicy white peaches harmoniously blend with a refreshing liveliness. The wine embraces the senses with a lush texture that is both full and refreshing, and each sip invites an engaging journey of discovery. The tasting experience is enriched by a subtle, slightly grainy structure, making each sip a fascinating adventure. The sweetness of the pears is beautifully complemented by the juicy and vibrant dimension of the white peach notes. The wine reaches its peak with an impressive finish that is pure, long-lasting, and infused with the refreshing liveliness of citrus fruits. This linear citrus finish adds a refined character to the overall tasting experience, leaving a lasting impression on the palate. This Armenian treasure truly shines when paired with the right culinary companions. Think of flavorful choices such as a seafood terrine, grilled prawns with satay sauce, and steamed chicken with a refreshing ginger and watercress juice. To reveal the full beauty of the wine, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature of around 12°C. Let yourself be enchanted by the versatility of this Armenian gem and enjoy a unique sensory experience.

Zorah was born from the creative mind of Zorik Gharibian, an Armenian who embarked on his academic journey through Venice and Milan before achieving success in the fashion world. While his foundation rests on the pillars of tradition, innovation, and excellence, his life took an unexpected turn in the 2000s toward his deeply rooted passion: wine. For Gharibian, there was only one path forward, and it led him back to the land of his ancestors. In the picturesque village of Rind, nestled amidst majestic snow-capped mountains, he planted vineyards at an altitude of 1,400 meters above sea level. This village is located in the heart of Yeghegnadzor, Armenia's main grape-growing region. Here, he dedicated himself entirely to creating wines that embody his philosophy: contemporary, yet deeply infused with traditional influences. Zorah's pristine, ungrafted vineyard, spread across 40 hectares, rests on rocky, limestone soils. Carefully selected indigenous grape varieties thrive here, sourced from abandoned vineyards near a 13th-century monastery. In this region, long, dry summers are characterized by intense sunlight and high daytime temperatures, which contrast with cool nights. These subtle climatic variations result in an extended growing season that stretches until the end of October.