Zorah Heritage Chilar 2019
A wonderful journey into the world of wine began many years ago when Zorik Gharibian visited Armenia for the very first time. He remained powerfully impressed by the beauty and spirit of his ancestral homeland. Armenia captivated him and he instantly realized that he would return to set roots there.
As Zorik began to spend time in his native territory, exploring its treasures, traveling among its people and uncovering the country’s secrets and traditions, he came to realize that Armenia had a deep rooted wine culture which seemed to have all but disappeared after years of Soviet rule. He decided to restore traditional vinicultural values and create truly profound wines which would speak of this magical place. It took a dream, time, motivation and determination to make it all come together and after almost ten years of intense work the winery produced its first ever vintage. Zorah hopes to expose Armenia’s potential in creating wines which rival the best in the world.
Fermented and aged in large traditional Armenian clay amphorae, (Karasi), with around 60-days skin contact. Aging in clay for around 9 months with further 10 months in the bottle. Natural yeast and very mild filtration before bottling.
| Vintage | 2019 |
| Varietal Composition | 100% Chilar |
| Appellation | Armenia |
| Alcohol | 13.50% |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Artificially Carbonated | No |
| Sparkling Wine | No |
First release of this amphora-fermented Chilar – an almost forgotten Armenian grape variety, growing at very high altitude. Despite 60 days of skin contact, what emerges is a pale-coloured, silky creature, with dusty peach and apricot fruit. Full and plump, with a long finish and subtle mineral tinges that add interest. Drinking Window 2020 - 2028.- Decanter, 89 pts
Top 30 Orange Wines of the World - Decanter
93 Points - Wine & Spirits Magazine
17/20 Jancis Robinson
The pinnacle of high altitude viniculture (with altitudes ranging between 1400-1500 meters (4500 – 5000ft)) the Chilar grapes are gathered from among random rows of old, local, small plot vineyards in the surroundings of Zorah Estate. A Phylloxera free terroir, all grapes are on their own roots. The soils are low vigor, sub-alkaline and rich in limestone with large stones and a first layer of sand.
