Zorah 2016 Yeraz Armenia Red Wine 1.5L MAGNUM
đˇ Zorah 2016 Yeraz â Vayots Dzor, Armenia
FieldâBlend Areni ⢠HighâAltitude Amphora Aging ⢠Ancient Vine Revival
Overview & History
Yeraz (meaning âdreamâ in Armenian) embodies the visionary revival of Armeniaâs ancient wine culture and the dream of crafting world-class Armenian wine. Located in the high rugged terrain of Rind, Vayots Dzor, Zorah sources grapes from ultra-centennial bush vineyards 1,600âŻm above sea levelââvines older than time.â These centuries-old Areni vines, reclaimed from near abandonment, mirror the persevering spirit of their people and terroir.
Caroline Gilby, MW, aptly describes this wine:
âYeraz has a lovely ethereal nose and fine, elegant, pure lingering flavors⌠like a blend of cru Burgundy mixed with top Sangiovese⌠hints of spice and crushed raspberry.â
Grapes & Terroir
- Grape: Field blend of ancient Areni Noir
- Altitude: 1,600âŻm / 5,250âŻftâsome of the highest vineyards in the region
- Soil: Volcanic, sedimentary, and limestone mix; phylloxeraâfree
- Farming: Practicing organic, harvest by hand
Winemaking & Aging
- Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts in unlined concrete vats
- Aging: Nearly 24 months in traditional clay amphorae (karasi), some buried and sealed with wax, plus time in large untoasted foudre to soften tannins; followed by 12 months in bottle
- Filtration: Very lightâpreserving texture and purity
Tasting Profile
- Appearance: Deep ruby with a bright, vivid clarity
- Nose: Ethereal and hypnoticâspiced raspberries, forest floor, crushed stone, and a touch of cedarwood
- Palate: Medium-bodied with finely woven tannins and lively acidity. Flavors of crushed raspberry, dark cherry, warm earth, and gentle spice evolve into a long, mineral-flecked finish
- Balance: Elegant, structured, and lingering
Critical Acclaim & Style
-
Caroline Gilby, MW, praised its âfine, pure lingering flavorsâ and compelling mix of Sangiovese and Burgundy character
-
Described as a ânatural field blend⌠from vines older than time⌠fermented with native yeastsâ
Pairing Suggestions
Pairs beautifully with:
- Grilled lamb with rosemary and peppercorn jus
- Game meatsâduck breast, venison tartare
- Charcuterie: cured meats like bresaola or prosciutto
- Rustic vegetable dishes: roasted root vegetables, wild mushroom risotto
In Summary
The Zorah 2016 Yeraz is a rare and soulful wine born of Armeniaâs high-altitude legacy. Crafted from centuries-old Areni vines, fermented in concrete, aged in amphorae, and bottle-aged, it offers a mineral, refined, and elegant profile reminiscent of Burgundy and Sangioveseâyet unmistakably Armenian. An embodiment of tradition, passion, and terroir. Yeraz isnât just a wineâitâs a dream realized.
Zorah 2016 Yeraz Armenia Red Wine 1.5L MAGNUM
đˇ Zorah 2016 Yeraz â Vayots Dzor, Armenia
FieldâBlend Areni ⢠HighâAltitude Amphora Aging ⢠Ancient Vine Revival
Overview & History
Yeraz (meaning âdreamâ in Armenian) embodies the visionary revival of Armeniaâs ancient wine culture and the dream of crafting world-class Armenian wine. Located in the high rugged terrain of Rind, Vayots Dzor, Zorah sources grapes from ultra-centennial bush vineyards 1,600âŻm above sea levelââvines older than time.â These centuries-old Areni vines, reclaimed from near abandonment, mirror the persevering spirit of their people and terroir.
Caroline Gilby, MW, aptly describes this wine:
âYeraz has a lovely ethereal nose and fine, elegant, pure lingering flavors⌠like a blend of cru Burgundy mixed with top Sangiovese⌠hints of spice and crushed raspberry.â
Grapes & Terroir
- Grape: Field blend of ancient Areni Noir
- Altitude: 1,600âŻm / 5,250âŻftâsome of the highest vineyards in the region
- Soil: Volcanic, sedimentary, and limestone mix; phylloxeraâfree
- Farming: Practicing organic, harvest by hand
Winemaking & Aging
- Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts in unlined concrete vats
- Aging: Nearly 24 months in traditional clay amphorae (karasi), some buried and sealed with wax, plus time in large untoasted foudre to soften tannins; followed by 12 months in bottle
- Filtration: Very lightâpreserving texture and purity
Tasting Profile
- Appearance: Deep ruby with a bright, vivid clarity
- Nose: Ethereal and hypnoticâspiced raspberries, forest floor, crushed stone, and a touch of cedarwood
- Palate: Medium-bodied with finely woven tannins and lively acidity. Flavors of crushed raspberry, dark cherry, warm earth, and gentle spice evolve into a long, mineral-flecked finish
- Balance: Elegant, structured, and lingering
Critical Acclaim & Style
-
Caroline Gilby, MW, praised its âfine, pure lingering flavorsâ and compelling mix of Sangiovese and Burgundy character
-
Described as a ânatural field blend⌠from vines older than time⌠fermented with native yeastsâ
Pairing Suggestions
Pairs beautifully with:
- Grilled lamb with rosemary and peppercorn jus
- Game meatsâduck breast, venison tartare
- Charcuterie: cured meats like bresaola or prosciutto
- Rustic vegetable dishes: roasted root vegetables, wild mushroom risotto
In Summary
The Zorah 2016 Yeraz is a rare and soulful wine born of Armeniaâs high-altitude legacy. Crafted from centuries-old Areni vines, fermented in concrete, aged in amphorae, and bottle-aged, it offers a mineral, refined, and elegant profile reminiscent of Burgundy and Sangioveseâyet unmistakably Armenian. An embodiment of tradition, passion, and terroir. Yeraz isnât just a wineâitâs a dream realized.