Areni Noir 

Areni Noir or simply Areni (The King of Armenian Grapes) is an unknown ancient grape variety that captures an utterly unique aspect of human history (known as the oldest surviving grape variety in the world), as it recalls the very origins of wine-making. It only came to prominence recently, when a varietal Areni wine was nominated as one of the ‘top 10 wines of 2012’ by Bloomberg, who sampled more than 4,000 wines from around the world before reaching their decision. This was even more worth mentioning, for the fact that it stood side by side to wines like 1989 Château Haut-Brion and Quinta do Noval’s National Legendary Port.

Ancient Areni grape varieties which have survived and evolved through the ages. These individual vines create a multiplicity within this variety which cannot be seen as anything other than the whole of the vineyard. This is extreme, high-altitude viticulture with ancient ultra-centennial bush vineyards at 1600m above sea level. It's a phylloxera-free terroir with a combination of volcanic, sedimentary and limestone soils with no irrigation.

Areni is native to Armenia, which is the birthplace of viticulture. Areni has always been at the centre of Armenian wine tradition and is the most important red wine grape in the country. The tannins in these wines are medium and acidity is medium to high. The body is medium and can have a lovely skin texture. Aromas of red and black fruits, with hints of cassis and spices are followed by flavours of cherry, raspberry, mulberry and blackberry, leading to a slightly bitter but very pleasant finish. Oak can add additional vanilla and smoky notes. It is best to drink these wines within a couple of years of release, although the best quality wines can improve and gain complexity, for a decade or more. Some of these wines have been likened to a cross between two classic grape varieties:  Pinot noir and Sangiovese. Areni noir is extremely disease-resistant and is particularly adapted to strong diurnal temperature variations.

Voskehat 

Voskehat is an ancient white grape variety, often considered the ‘Queen of Armenian Grapes'. In English Voskehat translates to ‘Golden Seed’. Varietal Voskehat is commonly described as medium to full bodied with a moderate acidity level. It is the floral aromas the variety produces that makes a distinct variety and popular in blends. Voskehat is an extremely vintage driven variety that achieves a wide range of aromatic profiles, depending on the year and growing conditions. Common aroma descriptors include lemon verbena, jasmine, citrus blossom, and a multitude of white flowers. In cool vintages, stone fruits are common on the palate whilst warmer vintages produce tropical fruits such as pineapple and mango. In the vineyard, Voskehat is a hardy variety with thick skins creating a defence against mildew diseases. It is well suited to the hot summers and cold night-time temperatures throughout the viticultural regions of the country. Winemakers enjoy working with Voskehat for its array of expressions and are only just beginning to discover the potential of the variety. 

Kangun 

Kangun is one of the most abundant native Armenian grapes. Kangun makes remarkably powerful white wines with ample freshness and striking aromatics, which are characterised by light straw-coloured hues with aromas and flavours of white fruits, wildflowers, honey, and quince. A complex hybrid grape from a crossing of the Bukholimansky bely and Rkatsiteli varieties. The variety is frost resistant, pest resistant and boasts a high resistance to fungal diseases. Kangun was initially created and cultivated to produce brandy; the variety was so well settled in the Armenian terroir that nowadays it excellently harvests for exceptional white wine varieties.  

Haktanak

This versatile grape variety is named amongst the most promising in Armenia. Hakhtanak, which translates as “victory”,  is primarily grown in the Ararat region in west-central part of the country. This late-ripening variety achieves high sugar levels and can be used for both sweet and dry wines. The flash and juice of this grape are both red, which makes Hakhtanak a teinturier grape.

Teinturier, from the French word ‘dye’, refers to a type of grapes which have black skin and red pulp. Hakhtanak makes rich full-bodied wines which are sometimes compared to Cabernet Sauvignon.

Hakhtanak is a type of wine which makes a statement. It’s masculine, full-bodied and powerful. It captures your palate with its ripe tannins, its robust structure and its rich flavours of blackberry, blackcurrant and plum. Oak ageing enhances this wine with exquisite notes of spices, toast and coffee, as well as elegant smokiness and creamy texture. Hakhtanak is used to produce a wide range of wine styles – dry, sweet and fortified. It is also a wonderful addition to red blends, bringing structure, body and character. In addition, Hakhtanak wine usually shows tremendous ageing potential, as such it is a great wine for cellaring and collecting.