Zorah Voski 2023

Region and Vineyards

Zorah's vineyards lie in the heart of Vayots Dzor, Armenia's most celebrated wine region, at an elevation of 1,400 to 1,600 metres above sea level. Encircled by dramatic mountains, these remote plots benefit from intense sunlight and stark temperature variations between day and night, fostering an extended growing season and optimal phenolic development. Summers are long, dry, and sun-drenched, balanced by cool nights that preserve the grapes' natural acidity and aromatic vibrancy.

The soils consist of a sandy top layer above rocky limestone subsoil, encouraging deep root systems and providing critical moisture retention during the intense summer heat. Vines are ungrafted, as phylloxera has never reached this isolated region, and are managed under a single guyot system with precision drip irrigation. The native varieties Voskéat and Garandmak, cultivated here for millennia, find their fullest expression in this unique terroir, offering wines with remarkable structure, freshness, and mineral depth.

Winemaking

The 2023 vintage began with a mild winter, followed by an unusually heavy snowfall in March. Spring started snowy and rainy, but from May onward, the weather stabilised into a warm, sun-filled summer that extended into early autumn. Grapes were hand-picked at optimal maturity, ensuring balance and vibrancy.

In the winery, grapes were destemmed and gently crushed before fermentation in large, temperature-controlled concrete tanks, free of epoxy resin, allowing the purity of the fruit and terroir to shine through. Only indigenous yeasts were used, underscoring Zorah's commitment to minimal intervention. After fermentation, the wine matured for 11 months in rough concrete tanks, enhancing its texture and mouthfeel, followed by an additional 6 months of bottle ageing to integrate and refine the final expression.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright golden yellow.
• Aroma: Expressive aromas of lemon, pear, peach, and pomelo, reflecting the mountain freshness and complexity of the native grapes.
• Palate: Lively acidity and a graceful, layered texture; the long finish is marked by a soft yet persistent minerality, offering both elegance and depth.

Did you know?

Voskéat and Garandmak, the two indigenous grape varieties used in this wine, are among Armenia's most ancient cultivars. Their names translate to "golden seed" and "fatty," respectively, reflecting their traditional importance and physical characteristics. Zorah's vineyard lies only two kilometres from Areni-1 cave, where the world's oldest known winery — dating back over 6,000 years — was discovered. This deep historical connection infuses each bottle with a tangible sense of heritage.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled sea bass with citrus and herbs: The wine's vibrant acidity and citrus notes enhance the delicate, aromatic fish.
• Roast chicken with lemon and thyme: Its freshness and mineral backbone uplift the savory, herbal flavors of the dish.
• Fresh goat cheese salad: The crisp acidity and subtle minerality cut through the richness and add brightness.
• Risotto with asparagus and parmesan: The wine's lively acidity and stone fruit character complement the creamy texture and vegetal notes.

History of Zorah

Zorah was born from the passion and determination of Zorik Gharibian, an Armenian born in Iran to a family that fled Armenia during the genocide of 1915. Sent to Venice during the Iranian revolution, Zorik developed a successful fashion business in Italy before turning his focus to wine. A transformative trip to Armenia inspired him to reconnect with his heritage and invest in reviving the country's millennia-old wine culture.

In 2000, Zorik acquired a remote, high-altitude site in Vayots Dzor, a region with deep historical significance and home to Areni-1 cave, the world's oldest known winery, dating back over 6,000 years. By 2006, he had planted his first vineyards, focusing on indigenous varieties and traditional methods. With an unwavering commitment to authenticity and minimal intervention, Zorah emerged as a beacon of Armenian winemaking renaissance. Today, the estate is managed with the support of a dedicated team, including winemaker Oshin Gharibian, carrying forward this bold and heartfelt vision.

Region and Vineyards

Zorah's vineyards lie in the Vayots Dzor region, at an altitude of 1,400 to 1,600 metres above sea level, surrounded by breathtaking, rugged mountains. This high-elevation site provides intense sunlight and dramatic day-night temperature variations, extending the ripening season and enhancing aromatic complexity and acidity in the grapes.

The soils are predominantly sandy, layered over rocky, limestone-rich subsoils that ensure excellent drainage and deep root development. Remarkably, the vineyards are planted with ungrafted vines, as phylloxera has never reached this isolated part of Armenia. Indigenous grape varieties — notably Areni Noir, Voskéat, and Garandmak — thrive here, expressing pure terroir character and profound minerality. The vines are managed with meticulous care using the single guyot system, with drip irrigation precisely adapted to preserve vine balance and fruit integrity.

Wine Range of Zorah

Zorah produces a distinctive portfolio that highlights Armenia's indigenous varieties and ancient winemaking methods. The flagship Karasi Areni Noir showcases elegance and spicy minerality, aged in traditional clay amphorae known as "karas." Voski, a white blend of Voskéat and Garandmak, offers a pure, textured expression of Armenia's white heritage grapes. Other limited expressions, such as Yeraz, delve even deeper into single-site precision and old-vine complexity.

Every wine is crafted with indigenous yeasts, minimal intervention, and a deep respect for terroir, resulting in authentic, vibrant, and age-worthy bottlings that reveal the soul of Armenian viticulture.

Did you know?

Zorah's vineyards are only two kilometers from Areni-1 cave, home to the world's oldest winery, dating back more than 6,000 years. This archaeological connection is symbolic of Zorah's mission to revive and honor Armenia's ancient winemaking legacy, bringing it to an international audience with authenticity and pride.