Ep 508: Armenian Wine - Ancient Grapes, Modern Innovation, True Excellence with Aimee Keushguerian of Zulal & Keush

In this show we explore the world of Armenian wine, which has roots in the ancient world and may be the oldest winemaking region in Europe.  

To tell us about these wines, the terroir, and the regions, I welcome Keush Managing Director & Zulal Founder, Aimee Keushguerian. Aimee educates us on Armenian wine and tells us about the projects she and her family are undertaking to shape the modern Armenian wine industry, which is definitely getting noticed for its high quality and interesting grape varieties.  

Aimee Keushguerian, founder of Zulal, Managing Director of Keush

Armenia is located in the Caucasus region bordering Georgia, Iran, Turkey, and Azerbaijan. Vineyards are in the mountains with very high elevations -- some of the highest in Europe.

Source: https://www.britannica.com/place/Armenia#/media/1/35178/208378

As a guide, here are some of the grapes we mention:

• Areni is the spicy, medium bodied, lovely main red grape. Vayots Dzor is the main quality region for Areni.
• Tozot from Vayots Dzor is like a Grenache and has great potential
• Voskehat is Armenia’s most promising white grape. Producers can make sparkling, still, and dessert wine all from Voskehat. It is non aromatic.
• Chilar: is another promising white grape with great structure that does well with oak

From geopolitical concerns to terroir studies, this podcast has it all! Take a listen -- you will learn a TON! 

Photo: Zulal. Credit: Wine For Normal People 

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Wine Access has Armenian wines before they even made a splash in the wine magazines! They have their finger on the pulse and connect with wineries and regions you need to know about! Make sure you join the Wine Access-Wine For Normal People wine club in time for the first quarter shipment (it's shaping up to be outstanding AND one of the shipments is likely to have an Armenian wine...hint, hint! ).  Get 10% your first order with my special URL. 

To register for an AWESOME, LIVE WFNP class with Elizabeth or get a class gift certificate for the wine lover in your life go to: www.winefornormalpeople.com/classes