Wines from ARMENIA

Before written history began, when humans first abandoned flint and began to fashion tools from copper and bronze, the Armenians were making wine.

Indigenous grapes, cultivated in the country’s vast, mountainous valleys, were aged in cave-kept clay caskets called karas and churned into wine using various ancient methods for over 6,000 years.

Today, Armenian vintners continue to till the land, working with the helter-skelter topography to create unique vintages and preserve the nation’s intangible viniculture heritage.

This dedication to their craft has been recognised as Armenian wines continue to increase in global popularity and the country has been selected to host the 8th UN Tourism Global Conference on Wine Tourism back in 2024.

Explore anceint varieties such as Areni Noir, a variety found in the oldest known dedicated winery in the world, dating back to 4,100 BC! This theme is all about discovery without intimidation: familiar styles, but from an ancient place using grapes you've probably never heard of.

Here’s how to plan a grape escape of the country’s vineyards ... with the Hampshire Wine School and this particular Armenian wine tasting. We shall taste 6 of the most stunning wines:

• Eramak Kangun/Viognier - The native Kangun grape brings zesty freshness and a mineral edge. Viognier wraps it in layers of tropical fruit.
• Nardy Kangun - Enjoy ripe stone fruits, quince and tropical mango, underpinned by fragrant white flowers and honeyed spice.
• Haverzharkan, Kangun/Vosherat - Crisp, citrus energy from the Kangun mixed with the gentle floral perfume of Vosherat ... amazing!
• Semiramis Areni/Malbec - Areni’s natural elegance meets Malbec’s depth, creating a wine with gentle tannins and bright acidity - effortlessly drinkable and refined.
• Karmir Malbec - from the volcanic highlands, this Malbec is juicy, lively and silky when discussing fruit flavours, acidity and tannins.
• Mayrik Areni - the Armenian original grape variety. It thrives in Armenia's high altitude terroir and makes me think of a Burgundian Pinot Noir ... beautiful!