Explore the lush and intriguing world of Armenian wine with Zorah Heritage Chillar. This surprising wine from Zorah reveals the true beauty of a unique Armenian grape variety. Once neglected by locals and almost on the verge of extinction, Chillar is an ancient indigenous grape variety from the Vayots Dzor wine region of Armenia. The grape bunches are elongated and cylindrical, with medium-sized berries that tend towards an oval shape and greenish color, but more yellow on the sunny side. The grape skin is covered with a thin layer of wax, which protects the berry from diseases and significant day and night temperature differences. This wine undergoes natural fermentation and maturation in ancient, imposing Armenian clay amphorae known as Karasì, with approximately 60 days of skin contact. The maturation process continues in local clay amphorae for approximately nine months, followed by a further 10 months in the bottle. Before bottling, the wine is gently filtered. With a balanced alcohol content of 13.5%, Zorah Heritage Chillar exudes understated elegance. Let yourself be enchanted by this unique wine and discover the deep-rooted traditions behind every sip. Look forward to an unforgettable journey of discovery through the rich Armenian wine culture! Cheers to the wonderful experience that lies ahead!
Flavor character Zorah Heritage Chillar
The Zorah Heritage Chillar truly emerges as a masterpiece of sublime refinement and intriguing texture. This white wine reveals a captivating palette of flavours, where the velvety ripeness of pears and juicy white peaches blend harmoniously with an invigorating vibrancy. The wine embraces the senses with a lush texture that is both full-bodied and refreshing, and every sip invites you on a captivating journey of discovery. The taste experience is enriched by a subtle, slightly grainy structure, making every sip a fascinating adventure. The sweetness of the pears is beautifully complemented by the juicy and vibrant dimension of the white peach notes. The wine reaches its peak with an impressive finish that is pure, long-lasting and infused with the refreshing vibrancy of citrus fruits. This linear citrus finish adds a refined character to the overall taste experience, leaving a lasting impression on the taste buds. This Armenian treasure truly comes into its own when accompanied by the right culinary companions. Think of tasty choices such as seafood terrine, grilled prawns with satay sauce and steamed chicken with an invigorating ginger and watercress juice. To reveal the full splendor of the wine, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature of around 12 degrees Celsius. Let yourself be enchanted by the versatility of this Armenian gem and enjoy a unique sensory experience.
Winery
Zorah was born from the creative mind of Zorik Gharibian, an Armenian who made his academic journey through Venice and Milan before finding success in the world of fashion. While his foundation rests on the pillars of tradition, innovation and excellence, his life path took an unexpected turn in the 2000s towards his deep-rooted passion: wine. For Gharibian, there was only one route forward, and it led back to the land of his ancestors. In the picturesque village of Rind, set amidst majestic snow-capped mountains, he planted vineyards at an altitude of 1,400 meters above sea level. This village is located in the heart of Yeghegnadzor, Armenia’s main grape-growing region. Here, he devoted himself entirely to creating wines that embody his philosophy: contemporary, yet infused with deep-rooted traditional influences. Zorah’s pristine, ungrafted vineyard, spread over 40 hectares, rests on rocky, chalky soils. Here, carefully selected indigenous grape varieties flourish, originating from abandoned vineyards near a 13th-century monastery. In this region, long, dry summers are characterized by intense sunlight and high daytime temperatures, contrasting with cool nights. These subtle climatic variations result in an extended growing season that extends until the end of October.
