From: Armavir, Armenia
Varietals: 35% Syrah, 35% Malbec, 30% Cabernet Franc
Tasting Notes: Aromas of dark cherry, ripe raspberry, and pomegranate will greet you on the nose, alongside dustings of spice—including a peppery note from the Syrah—and hints of smoke and green pepper from the Cabernet Franc. The palate follows suit, unfolding with elegant flavors of pure, dark red fruits and smoky spice, balanced with good acidity and a charming finish marked by smooth, friendly tannins.
Pairing: This unique wine is perfect for a variety of occasions and foods. It will pair well with braised red meats, pizza, spaghetti and meatballs, pulled pork sandwiches, baby back ribs (with your choice of traditional southern barbecue sides…hello baked beans and cornbread!), burgers, or burritos. For today's recipe, we’re sharing Melissa Clark's recipe for Pomegranate-Glazed Lamb Meatballs. She recommends “[having] them alone, as a light snack or part of an evening of tapas, or [pairing] them with some couscous and goat cheese for a larger meal.”
About. The Karas winery is named after karas, the Armenian word for the amphorae historically used for winemaking there as early as 6,000 years ago. The project of the winery began in 2003 as part of Argentinian-Armenian entrepreneur, Eduardo Eurnekian’s quest renew roots in his original homeland. (Eduardo also owns Armenia’s main postal office, a bank, and the country’s airport.) Today, the estate farms 400 hectares of vineyards with both international and local varieties on the land purchased in 2003.
Eduardo Eurnekian and Juliana Del Aguila Eurnekian—uncle and niece—are also responsible for the premium vineyard property Bodega Del Fin Del Mundo, in Neuquén, Argentina. Together, they’ve been making wine for more than a decade in Patagonia, a region known for its wines of origin, and shoulder to shoulder they founded Karas in Armavir, whose volcanic terroir is equally unique. Vintner and sommelier Juliana turned her hand to winemaking years ago with one of the world’s greatest mentors: Michel Rolland. All three embarked on this special project that has both innovation and environmental responsibility at its heart, believing Karas will build bridges between Armenia and the rest of the world.
Karas is the major estate in the Armavir wine region, which lies on in southwestern part of Armenia, near the border with Turkey. Armavir is the smallest and the most densely-populated region in Armenia. Its convenient location and favorable high altitudes and extreme continental climate have allowed it to become an epicenter of agricultural development. The region’s history dates back to the Bronze Age, as attested by karases dating 6,000 years discovered in Areni-1 cave, just a stone’s throw from the winery; these, along with other oenological archaeological discoveries place Armenia as the oldest wine-making culture in the world.
History is rooted in this project, but Karas Wines is keenly aware of the future and the need for responsible stewardship. Karas Wines applies a sustainable and organic principles to its vineyards planted in Armavir’s special terroir, including rocky volcanic soils and dry continental climate. Two large reservoirs irrigate not only 32 varieties of grapes, but also peaches, apricots, plums and walnuts.
