Grape Varietals: The blend of these indigenous Armenian varieties gives this rosé a unique set of aromatic and palatal characteristics from both varieties. Areni (50%), Kakhet (50%)
Terroir: The vineyards (9ha) are located in Ashtarak, in the ancient winemaking region of Aragatsotn in Armenia. The soil is volcanic and rich with natural rocks and minerals. The plot is positioned on hills with south and south-west facing slopes, at an altitude of 1,000m ASL. The climate provides long hours of sun in the day, and cooler temperatures at night. Our personal winemaking philosophy also contributes to our terroir; combining tradition, innovation, and passion.
Vinification and Aging: The wine is made with a selective harvest, followed by direct pressing, cool and limited maceration, a primary fermentation, clarification and filtration.
2016 Vintage Information: The annual precipitation for the year of 2017 was average, and the amount of active temperatures were reliable, guaranteed favorable night and day contrasts in temperature. Extensive, long dry weather kept diseases at bay, bringing in the crop with excellent health. Some of the more intense heat of the year was blunted by the altitude of the vineyard that brought cool nights. Harvest: late September.
Tasting Notes: Sweet aromas of tropical fruits, notes of pears and peaches. Delicate and beautiful Rose with pleasant minerality like silk on the palate, very refreshing. Recommended with antipasti, melon and prosciutto, medium strength cheeses, salad niçoise, roast turkey or chicken, and even fruits, hors d'oeuvre and caviar.
Van Ardi is a boutique family winery located in Ashtarak, Armenia, a region that boasts thousands of years of winemaking history. The project began in 2005, with its first vintage of estate wines released in 2013.
Family History - Returning back to his roots, both physically and metaphorically, founder and winemaker, Varuzhan Mouradian and family moved from California to Armenia. Having fallen in love with wine, he knew he had developed a passion for making wine he couldn't ignore. Van is an ancient capital of Armenia with rich winemaking history, where the families ancestors are from. The winemaker and family named the winery Van Ardi, meaning "sun of Van".
Plot Scouting - After Scouting various winemaking areas in Armenia, Van Ardi settled on an exquisite plot in Ashtarak, an ancient winemaking region of Armenia. The land was bare and filled with stones and boulders, but its soil type (volcanic), slope and position created a tangible terroir that evoked a sense of promise!
