Exploring Armenian Wines: A Journey Through History and Flavor
Armenia has been creating wine for six thousand years. The country is the birthplace of winemaking, according to archeological discoveries in Vayots Dzor, which include a wine press from 6100. The early Armenian vineyards on Mount Ararat are also mentioned in the Bible. The country is located in the Lower Caucasus and is popular for its distinctive volcanic terroir and historical civilization.
The ancient origins of winemaking in Armenia
With archeological evidence from the Areni-1 cave indicating the existence of a winery dating back to approximately 4100 BCE, Armenian wine history is frequently cited as the birthplace of wine. The expertise of ancient Armenian agriculture is demonstrated by the presence of fermenting vats and wine presses at this location. Considering the importance of ancient trade and culture, Armenia is mentioned in historical writings by Greek historians such as Herodotus as a region with an abundance of grapes.
Cuneiform inscriptions, archeological evidence from the first millennium BCE, and written text in medieval manuscripts demonstrate that winemaking and viticulture were advanced in Armenia during the Urartian Kingdom and that wine and grapes had an important role in Armenian culture, even though the discovery of the wine-making facility in the Areni cave demonstrated that wine was made in the area at least 6,000 years ago.
The winemaking in Armenia nowadays
An important turning point in Armenia’s contemporary wine culture occurred in 2012 when the nation’s first wine bar opened. In Armenia’s traditional winemaking districts, such as Vayots Dzor, the Ararat Valley, and the slopes of Mount Aragats, numerous wineries provide visitors with wine tours, unique cuisine, and historical and cultural experiences. There are countless wine bars and restaurants that focus on good wine in the city nowadays.
The modern Armenian wines
Starting from the Indigenous varieties of the best Armenian wines to try. The country is home to over 30 indigenous grape varieties that help in the production of different types of wine varieties. Some notable and beloved grape types are Areni Noir, Voskehat, and Khatun.
Areni Noir is a prominent red variety of grapes and is cherished for the rich flavors that get transferred to the beverage. Many red wines are produced from Areni Noir, including the Areni Reserve wine types that have a fruity aroma and can be paired with various dishes (lamb, pork, and grilled vegetables).
In contrast with the Areni Noir, Voskehat is a white grape variety that is the main component of aromatic white wines. Sometimes the locals even call this grape variety the “Queen of Armenian grapes” which is a versatile type and produces many exceptional Armenian wines known both in the country and outside of its borders.
Khatun is also a white grape, however Armenian wineries use it in wine blends to get unique wine characteristics. For example, dry white wines made of this grape variety have a fresh and clean profile, while blended wines are sometimes mixed with native Armenian or international grape varieties to make the beverage more balanced and aromatic.
Wine regions
About two hours south of Yerevan sits Vayots Dzor, one of Armenia’s most important and ancient wine districts. Elevations in this mountainous region range from about 3,500 meters at Vartenis Mountain to 850 meters in the Areni Valley. The area has about 300 sunny days a year and a dry climate, which makes it perfect for growing grapes. The soils have a high mineral content and good drainage since they are a mixture of limestone and volcanic rock. The hot days and cool nights brought on by the high altitude aid in the development of the grapes’ sugars while maintaining their acidity. The notable grapes here are the above-mentioned three grape varieties (Areni Noir, Voskehat, and Khotuni).
Ararat Valley is also a well-known wine production location that produces red and white wines. The climate in here, is ideal for the grapes, including their care and storage due to the warm summers and mild winters. This is the winemaking region that provides the country and abroad the rich wines made of well-known grape varieties Kakhet and Areni Noir.
Although they are less well known, the slopes of Mount Aragats provide a variety of growing conditions for grapes. Different microclimates created by the varied elevations can have a big impact on grape quality. The depth of the wines produced comes from the mineral-rich volcanic soils in the region. The wine producers also pay attention to the grape ripening process, which is directly linked to the wine taste in the future. So, they rip the grape more slowly during higher elevations. The grape varieties here are Voskehat and Areni Noir, that create the most beloved wine types you can get from the local beverage stores.
Armenia’s wine regions stand behind the delicious wines we have today. Armenian wines’ aromas and characteristics are influenced by the distinct terroir of each region. Areas like Vayots Dzor, the Ararat Valley, and the slopes of Mount Aragats are continuing to forge their identities on the international scene as a result of the growing interest in these wines around the world.
