From Tradition to Innovation: The Inspiring Journey of Armenia Wine Company
The Wine Travel Awards community is happy to welcome a new member. “ARMENIA WINE” Winery and Vineyards becomes a nominee for the 2023-2024 edition reinforcing a common effort of the Armenian wine industry in promoting their country as a magnificent enogastronomic destination. The guests of the WTA Ceremony at the London Wine Fair had a chance to taste wines produced by “Armenia Wine”.
The Armenia Wine Company has a captivating story that reflects the rich winemaking heritage of Armenia. Situated in the heart of the historic Ararat Valley, this esteemed winery combines tradition, innovation, and a deep passion for winemaking.
The inception of “Armenia Wine” can be traced back to the deep love that the Vardanyan and Mkrtchyan families have for their homeland, nature, and culture. The company started its winemaking journey in 2008 combining the 6000-year heritage of Armenian winemaking, wine culture, and modern international technologies on one idea: presenting Armenian wine to the world as a sample of the national value.
At the core of their winemaking philosophy is a commitment to sustainability and organic practices. The vineyards are carefully tended using environmentally friendly methods, respecting the natural balance of the ecosystem. The winery embraces modern technology while staying true to ancient winemaking techniques that have been passed down through generations.
“ARMENIA WINE” Winery and Vineyards boasts an impressive portfolio of wines, ranging from reds and whites to rosés and sparkling wines. They take pride in their extensive collection of indigenous grape varieties, including Armenian and European grape varieties like Areni Noir, Kangun, and Voskehat, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Viogne ….. the blends of these grape varieties fully express the uniqueness of the Armenian Terroir.
What sets the Armenia Wine Company apart is their dedication to innovation and experimentation. They constantly push boundaries by exploring new winemaking methods, aging techniques, and blending styles. This commitment to creativity has earned them numerous accolades and recognition from international wine competitions and experts. Among them, the company’s organic wine BioNe is an oddity to Mother Nature. The French chef consultant and winemaker of the company Jean-Baptiste Soula mentions: “Armenian highland is an ideal environment for organic viticulture, and making organic wine in Armenia was an amazing experience”.
Beyond crafting exceptional wines, the Armenia Wine Company also aims to promote Armenian culture and heritage. “The ultra-premium novelty of the company “Tariri Karasum” is an excellent example for that. The wine ages in the clay pots /karas/ for a year, preserving the pure aromas given from the Nature. This wine is a perfect blend of all the grape varieties harvested during the year. It truly expresses the features of Armenian terroir”- mentions the commercial director of the company Kristine Vardanyan.
Armenia Wine Company has taken the responsibility not only to present Armenian wine to the world but also to popularise Armenian culture, colorful traditions, and history. For this aim together with the ministries of culture and education the Wine History Museum of Armenia opened in the territory of the winery in 2017. With this big step, Armenia Wine Company became a state-of-the-art center of culture, history, and education.
With a vision rooted in the past and an unwavering focus on the future, the Armenia Wine Company continues to be a leading force in the Armenian wine industry. Their wines, imbued with the essence of Armenia’s ancient winemaking traditions and the spirit of innovation, captivate wine enthusiasts around the world, making them a true ambassador of Armenian winemaking excellence.
Nowadays the company’s activity includes several key-points which reflect the dimension of the company and the high level of working style.
1․ Yearly production capacity of up to 14 mln bottles
2. 135 hectares of own vineyards
3․ 83 hectares of organic vineyards
4. Cooperation with more than 600 winegrowers from 4 winemaking regions
5. Regular export to more than 50 countries
6. Cooperation with international experts and winemakers: Jean-Baptiste Soula as the chef-consultant, Olivier Chapt as the main brandy maker, and Paulo Piera as the sparkling wine master.
Tasting experience with “Armenia Wine” at the WTA Ceremony
Tariri. Areni, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon Red Dry Wine
ORIGIN: Vayots Dzor and Armavir regions
GRAPE: Areni 50% (Vayots Dzor), Cabernet Sauvignon 25% and Merlot 25% (Armavir)
HARVEST DATE: End September, early October
CLIMATE: Continental climate. Vineyards are situated at the altitude of 1200 meters above sea level.
YIELD: 45 hl/ha
WINEMAKING: The grapes are hand-harvested at the peak of their maturity and transferred to the estate in small boxes in refrigerator trucks. Last strict sorting on the selection table during grape reception. Two weeks of alcoholic fermentation and maceration with temperature between 26 to 28°C in stainless steel tanks.
TASTING NOTES: This deep red colour wine has a complex nose with fruity aroma (blackberries, wild cherries, grapes) with a touch of spicy, peppery notes. The palate is structured yet elegant, velvety yet persistent. Cabernet Sauvignon gives the wine black currant notes, Merlot- smooth tannins, Areni- elegance.
FOOD PAIRING: Filet of beef, pork tenderloin, gorgonzola.
SERVING TEMPERATURE: 18°C
CONSULTING WINEMAKER: Jean-Baptiste Soula
Takar. Areni Red Dry Wine
ORIGIN: Vayots Dzor region
GRAPE: Areni
HARVEST DATE: Early October
CLIMATE: Continental climate. Vineyards are situated at the altitude of 1200 meters above sea level.
YIELD: 55 hl/ha
WINEMAKING: The grapes are hand-harvested at the peak of their maturity and transferred to the estate in small boxes in refrigerator trucks. Last strict sorting on the selection table during grape reception. Two weeks of alcoholic fermentation at the temperature between 26°C to 28°C in stainless steel tanks. One month of maceration.
TASTING NOTES: The wine has a cherry red colour with purple hint. The nose evokes pleasant spiciness (vanilla, licorice, overtones of pepper and clove) with cherry and blackberry on the background. The palate is precise with good tannins and nice structure.
FOOD PAIRING: Lamb dishes, meats in sauce, roast poultry, soft cheeses, berry pies.
SERVING TEMPERATURE: 18°C
CONSULTING WINEMAKER: Jean-Baptiste Soula
Yerevan 782. B.C. Areni, Karmrahyut Red Dry Wine
ORIGIN: Vayots Dzor and Aragatsotn regions
GRAPE: Areni 65%, Karmrahyut 35%
HARVEST DATE: End September, early October
CLIMATE: Continental climate. Vineyards are situated at altitudes of 1000 – 1200 meters above sea level.
YIELD: 65 hl/ha
WINEMAKING: Manual harvest. Two weeks of fermentation at the temperature between 26°C to 28°C in stainless steel tanks and two weeks of maceration.
TASTING NOTES: Ruby red color, delicate dark cherry aroma. The mouth is juicy, fresh and well-balanced.
FOOD PAIRING: Ideal for meats and cheeses.
SERVING TEMPERATURE: 16 °С
CONSULTING WINEMAKER: Jean-Baptiste Soula