Karas, Red Wine 2015
Armavir, Armenia, Dry Red, Cork, 14.0% abv(2018) The Armenian wines I have tasted are few and far between, yet this is a country with thousands of years of wine-making history. From vineyards in the volcanic foothills of Mount Arrarat, this is a huge blend including Syrah, Tannat, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Montepulciano, as well as the local Khnodoghni, from a modern state-of-the-art winery. Michel Rolland consults, and the winemaker is from Mendoza in Argentina. The aroma is very inviting, plush with black fruits but quite an exotic lift too, the pepper and hint of leafiness from the Bordeaux grapes perhaps, but wrapped in a chocolaty cloak. Masses of sweet berries in the mouth, but a nicely tart, nippy agility thanks to tight tannins, plenty of that peppery quality. Acidity sits well into the finish of a dramatic and different red of some quality. Watch the video for more information and food-matching ideas.