Zorah Voski Voskeat Garandmak 2020

Zorah Voskì Voskeat Garandmak combines two ancient indigenous varieties. Archaeological evidence suggests that both Voskèat and Garandmak have been present in Armenia for millennia. Voskèat translates as “golden seed” and is considered queen of Armenia’s grapes. It’s a delicate, gold-coloured grape with small, compact, relatively thin-skinned berries and bunches in the shape of a cross. Garandmak means “fat tail” and is one of the most popular grapes. It’s a much hardier variety, greenish yellow in colour, with larger, thicker-skinned berries and compact bunches.

Although both varieties are present throughout Armenia’s territory, the exceptional terroir of Vayots Dzor – with its high-altitude, low-vigour, phylloxera-free, rocky, sandy soils coupled with wide diurnal temperature range – yields distinctively balanced fruit. The grapes for Voskì are sourced from 30- to 40-year-old vineyards at altitudes of 1400m from vines grown on original, ungrafted roots.

Fermentation with indigenous yeasts occurs in large, temperature-controlled concrete vats which are left rough deliberately to favour micro-oxygenation. Ageing then continues in concrete vats for 11 months with a further six months in bottle. Concrete is preferred to stainless steel as it allows the wine to breath over the maturation period.

The wine is floral and spicy with rich vibrant stone fruit. It’s fresh on the palate with vivid acidity and a layered complexity, with real depth. – Zorik Gharibian, Zorah