Zorah 2017 Karasi Armenia Red Wine 1.5 L MAGNUM
🍷 Zorah 2017 Karasì – Rind, Vayots Dzor, Armenia
100% Ungrafted Areni Noir • Amphora-Aged • High-Altitude Illumination
93 Points – Decanter – A Masterpiece Renewed from Ancient Vines "The most exciting wine fo 2019"
Overview & Heritage
Karasì (“from amphorae”) embraces Armenia’s 6,100-year-old winemaking legacy, reviving ancient techniques in the high-altitude vineyards of Vayots Dzor. The 2017 Karasì, crafted by Zorah Wines, is deeply rooted in tradition—fermented with native yeasts, aged in clay amphorae (karasì), and nurtured by centuries-old, ungrafted Areni Noir vines at 1,400 m elevation.
Decanter awarded this vintage 93 points, calling it one of the most exciting Armenian wines and praising its vibrant expression of terroir.
Grapes & Terroir
- Variety: 100% Areni Noir (ungrafted & indigenous)
- Vine Age & Altitude: Ancient bush vines, 1,400 m above sea level
- Soil: Sub-alkaline sandy soils with limestone and stones; phylloxera-free
- Farming: Practicing organic, hand-harvested
Winemaking & Aging
- Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts in concrete tanks
-
Aging:
- 12 months in traditional Armenian amphorae, some buried underground
- 6 months bottle aging pre-release
- Minimal filtration preserves texture and purity
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Deep ruby with a lively clarity
- Aromas: Conveys “lovely small-wild-berry aroma… spicy and savoury with expressive dark fruit”
- Palate: Medium-bodied and vibrant, with flavors of black cherry, cranberry, dark spice, and a hint of floral complexity. Tannins are chalky and mineral-driven, leading to a long, textured finish
- Finish: Persistent, savory, and herbaceous—a true statement of its terroir
IntoWine rated this vintage 91 points, praising its “warm quality… good acidity” and sustained finish
Why It’s Remarkable
- 🏆 93-point Decanter rating, marking international recognition
- 🍇 Crafted from ancient, ungrafted vines preserved in terroir-rich soils
- 🏺 Committed to traditional, amphora-based vinification
- 🎯 Elevated intensity with refined, vibrant structure and natural mineral grip
Food Pairing Suggestions
Perfect with:
- Grilled lamb chops with rosemary and cracked pepper
- Duck breast or game meats
- Wild mushroom risotto
- Aged Pecorino or Manchego cheese
The wine’s bold structure and mineral tannins stand up to rich, savory dishes.
In Summary
The Zorah 2017 Karasì is a profound celebration of Armenia's ancient winemaking story—blending terroir, tradition, and technique into a single, vibrant expression. Awarded 93 points by Decanter, this amphora-aged Areni Noir offers bold red fruit, earthy spice, and mineral elegance, making it both compelling now and cellar-worthy for the future.
A modern classic emerging from ancient soil—truly rediscover Armenia
Zorah 2017 Karasi Armenia Red Wine 1.5 L MAGNUM
🍷 Zorah 2017 Karasì – Rind, Vayots Dzor, Armenia
100% Ungrafted Areni Noir • Amphora-Aged • High-Altitude Illumination
93 Points – Decanter – A Masterpiece Renewed from Ancient Vines "The most exciting wine fo 2019"
Overview & Heritage
Karasì (“from amphorae”) embraces Armenia’s 6,100-year-old winemaking legacy, reviving ancient techniques in the high-altitude vineyards of Vayots Dzor. The 2017 Karasì, crafted by Zorah Wines, is deeply rooted in tradition—fermented with native yeasts, aged in clay amphorae (karasì), and nurtured by centuries-old, ungrafted Areni Noir vines at 1,400 m elevation.
Decanter awarded this vintage 93 points, calling it one of the most exciting Armenian wines and praising its vibrant expression of terroir.
Grapes & Terroir
- Variety: 100% Areni Noir (ungrafted & indigenous)
- Vine Age & Altitude: Ancient bush vines, 1,400 m above sea level
- Soil: Sub-alkaline sandy soils with limestone and stones; phylloxera-free
- Farming: Practicing organic, hand-harvested
Winemaking & Aging
- Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts in concrete tanks
-
Aging:
- 12 months in traditional Armenian amphorae, some buried underground
- 6 months bottle aging pre-release
- Minimal filtration preserves texture and purity
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Deep ruby with a lively clarity
- Aromas: Conveys “lovely small-wild-berry aroma… spicy and savoury with expressive dark fruit”
- Palate: Medium-bodied and vibrant, with flavors of black cherry, cranberry, dark spice, and a hint of floral complexity. Tannins are chalky and mineral-driven, leading to a long, textured finish
- Finish: Persistent, savory, and herbaceous—a true statement of its terroir
IntoWine rated this vintage 91 points, praising its “warm quality… good acidity” and sustained finish
Why It’s Remarkable
- 🏆 93-point Decanter rating, marking international recognition
- 🍇 Crafted from ancient, ungrafted vines preserved in terroir-rich soils
- 🏺 Committed to traditional, amphora-based vinification
- 🎯 Elevated intensity with refined, vibrant structure and natural mineral grip
Food Pairing Suggestions
Perfect with:
- Grilled lamb chops with rosemary and cracked pepper
- Duck breast or game meats
- Wild mushroom risotto
- Aged Pecorino or Manchego cheese
The wine’s bold structure and mineral tannins stand up to rich, savory dishes.
In Summary
The Zorah 2017 Karasì is a profound celebration of Armenia's ancient winemaking story—blending terroir, tradition, and technique into a single, vibrant expression. Awarded 93 points by Decanter, this amphora-aged Areni Noir offers bold red fruit, earthy spice, and mineral elegance, making it both compelling now and cellar-worthy for the future.
A modern classic emerging from ancient soil—truly rediscover Armenia