Zorah 2021 Yeraz Vayots Dzor Armenia Red Wine
Zorah 2021 Yeraz – Vayots Dzor, Armenia Back in Stock After a Long Absence One of Armenia's most sought-after wines has finally returned. The Zorah 2021 Yeraz is a breathtaking expression of ancient Armenian viticulture and one of the world's most distinctive red wines. Named "Yeraz," meaning "Dream" in Armenian, this remarkable wine represents the dream of reviving one of humanity's oldest winemaking civilizations while crafting a world-class wine that faithfully reflects its extraordinary origin. Produced by the pioneering team at Zorah Wines, Yeraz comes from tiny, high-altitude vineyards surrounding the village of Rind in Armenia's renowned Vayots Dzor region. Here, ancient bush-trained Areni Noir vines—many well over a century old—grow at an astonishing 1,600 meters (5,250 feet) above sea level in one of the highest commercial wine regions in the world. These ungrafted vineyards, planted in volcanic, limestone, and sedimentary soils untouched by phylloxera, produce grapes of exceptional purity, freshness, and mineral character. Every vineyard is harvested entirely by hand and farmed using natural, sustainable practices that honor Armenia's six-millennia-old winemaking tradition. Six Thousand Years of History in Every Bottle Armenia is widely recognized as the birthplace of winemaking. The world's oldest known winery—dating back more than 6,100 years—was discovered in the Areni Cave, only a few miles from the vineyards that produce Zorah Yeraz. This extraordinary historical connection is more than symbolism. It is reflected in every aspect of the wine's production, from indigenous grape varieties and native yeast fermentation to aging in traditional karasi (large clay amphorae), the same vessels Armenians have used for thousands of years. Yeraz is not merely inspired by history—it is history brought vividly into the modern glass. Ancient Vine Field Blend Unlike wines made from cloned vineyards, Yeraz is produced from a natural field blend of ancient Areni Noir selections, representing numerous naturally evolved strains that have survived for generations. Each vine contributes its own personality, creating a tapestry of flavors that simply cannot be replicated through modern viticulture. This diversity gives Yeraz remarkable aromatic complexity, elegance, and depth while preserving the authentic character of Armenia's indigenous grape heritage. Winemaking The grapes undergo spontaneous fermentation using only indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled concrete tanks. The wine then matures for nearly 24 months in traditional Armenian clay amphorae (karasi) of varying sizes, some buried underground and sealed with natural wax. Short maturation in large, untoasted oak foudres gently softens the tannins while preserving the wine's purity and transparency. Following its amphora aging, Yeraz spends an additional 12 months in bottle before release. The wine is bottled with only minimal filtration to preserve its texture, energy, and sense of place. Tasting Notes Deep ruby with brilliant clarity, the bouquet is remarkably refined and expressive, opening with aromas of crushed raspberry, wild cherry, rose petals, cedar, forest floor, black tea, dried herbs, and volcanic stone. The palate is graceful, medium-bodied, and beautifully textured, offering flavors of red cherry, raspberry, pomegranate, warm spices, earthy minerals, and subtle cedar, framed by silky tannins and vibrant mountain acidity. The exceptionally long finish reveals lingering mineral notes, delicate spice, and remarkable freshness that make this one of the world's most elegant expressions of Areni Noir. Rather than power, Yeraz impresses with precision, purity, and finesse. International Acclaim Master of Wine Caroline Gilby beautifully summarizes the personality of Yeraz: "Yeraz has a lovely ethereal nose and fine, elegant, pure lingering flavors... like a blend of Cru Burgundy mixed with top Sangiovese... with its own distinctive hints of spice and crushed raspberry." Widely regarded as one of Armenia's finest wines, Yeraz has become an international benchmark for modern Armenian winemaking. Food Pairing An exceptional companion for: Herb-crusted rack of lamb Duck breast Venison Beef tenderloin Wild mushroom risotto Roasted root vegetables Charcuterie Aged sheep's milk cheeses Grilled eggplant Armenian lamb dishes Why You'll Love This Wine One of Armenia's most iconic wines Back in stock after a long absence Produced from ancient Areni Noir vines High-altitude vineyards at 1,600 meters Amphora (Karasi) aged Indigenous yeast fermentation Natural field blend Minimal intervention winemaking Phylloxera-free vineyards Exceptional aging potential One of the world's finest indigenous grape wines A true expression of Armenia's 6,000-year wine heritage Serving Suggestions Serving Temperature: 60–64°F (16–18°C) Decant: 45–60 minutes recommended. Cellaring: Drink now through 2040.