Completely abandoned by locals and almost on the road to extinction, Chilar is an ancient indigenous grape variety to Armenia and present in the highlands of Vayotz Dzor. The clusters are medium, elongated and cylindrical with medium sized berries which tend to be oval in shape with a greenish color but more yellowish on the sunny side. The skin is hardy, which protects it from disease and substantial temperature variations and has a thin wax coating.

TERRITORY

The pinnacle of high altitude viniculture (with altitudes ranging between 1400-1500 meters (4500 – 5000ft)) the Chilar grapes are gathered from among random rows of old, local, small plot vineyards in the surroundings of Zorah Estate. A Phylloxera free terroir, all grapes are on their own roots. The soils are low vigor, sub-alkaline and rich in limestone with large stones and a first layer of sand.

VINIFICATION AND AGING

Fermented and aged in large traditional Armenian clay amphorae, (Karasi), with around 60-days skin contact. Aging in clay for around 9 months with further 10 months in the bottle. Natural yeast and very mild filtration before bottling.

• 100% Chilar
• The grapes are gathered from select rows in Zorah’s estate holdings in Vayotz Dzor
• Vine age: 30-40 years old, planted between 1,400-1,500 MASL
• Sub-alkaline and rich in limestone and large stones with a top layer of sand
• There are no vineyards dedicated to Chilar
• Hand-picked
• Fermented with native yeasts and aged in large, traditional Armenian clay amphora with 60 days of skin contact
• Aging continues in small amphora for an additional 9 months with a further 10 months in bottle

Information:

•             Vintage – 2021

•             Country – Armenia

•             Region – Vayots Dzor

•             Appellation – Rind

•             Variety – Chilar

•             Color – White

•             Farming Practice – Practicing Organic