ArmAs, Aragatsotn, Karmrahyut 2015

The ArmAs estate is located in the Aragatsotn Province with vineyards ranging from 700 to 1,900 metres above sea-level. The altitude promotes a long ripening period; the vines produce concentrated fruit nourished by 300 days of sunshine per year, balanced by a freshness created by the cool summer nights. The ungrafted vines are planted in soils comprising 30 layers of volcanic, limestone and clay composition. The vineyard is made
up of native varieties; and the indigenous Karmrahyut really thrives in this terroir. Karmrahyut means ‘red juice’ in Armenian, which is demonstrated in the deep red
colour of its wines. The grapes are manually harvested at optimum maturity.

After meticulous selection, the grapes were fermented at controlled temperatures of 25 to 27°C with selected yeasts. Lees contact with monthly bâtonnage gave the wine a rich texture prior to eight months ageing in stainless steel. The wine was made in an unoaked style to preserve the purity of fruit and characteristics of the Karmrahyut variety.

Armenia is considered to be the birthplace of wine, with biblical references to the region being planted with vines. Armenia also hosts the site of the oldest known winemaking ruins, which date back 6,100 years. Founded by Armen Aslanyan, ArmAs is revitalising Armenia's historic winemaking legacy. Situated on the 45th parallel, the estate covers 180 hectares of stunning vineyard and orchards, on an undulating terrain of complex soils set against the backdrop of Mount Ararat. Winemaker Emilio del Medico pays homage to this heritage by creating elegant and distinct wines from estate grown native varieties.