Karas Winery is the most well-known and recognized winery in the country, a sort of calling card. It is owned by Corporación América Group – an Argentine holding company owned by the Eurnekian family. Since the 1970s, the company has operated in the textile industry, including cotton cultivation, spinning, weaving, and fabric design. They then entered the world of communications, with the creation of modern multimedia, including radio, television, and press. Today, the company operates businesses with diverse activities also related to the aviation, technology, services, energy, and agriculture industries, including wineries in Argentina and Armenia. Karas – A Winery in the Shadow of Ararat Karas is today a leading Armenian winery, situated in the shadow of Mount Ararat. Legend has it that at the foot of this biblical mountain, Noah planted the world's first vineyards and made his wine there. The name Karas comes from the Armenian name for the amphora in which wine was traditionally produced. The winery uses exclusively grapes from its own vineyards located in the Ararat Valley for wine production. The main variety they specialize in is Areni, but they also work extensively with other varieties, both local and international. Areni – Armenian Treasure Areni is a native Armenian grape variety, considered one of the most valuable endemic varieties in the country. It is believed that the Areni grape comes from the village of Areni in southwestern Armenia, from which it received its name. In 2011, a remarkable discovery was made in a cave above the village. During excavations in a cave called Areni-1, archaeologists discovered the oldest known winery in the world (dated to 4000 BC). Archaeological and genetic research indicates the cultivation of Areni in these areas for millennia, and DNA analysis shows no connection with other grape varieties. Areni can therefore be considered Armenia's calling card in winemaking. Areni grows on its original roots (ungrafted), the vineyards are free from phylloxera, and some vines, still found in the country, are over 120 years old. In Armenia, we are dealing with a continental climate, and most vineyards are located at altitudes from 520 meters above sea level to 1520 meters above sea level, where the temperature difference between day and night can be extreme. Areni copes exceptionally well in these conditions. It ripens late, and thanks to its thick skin, it is quite resistant to diseases. It is also well adapted to cultivation at high altitudes and coping with significant daily temperature fluctuations, as well as winter frosts. Areni has always been at the center of Armenian winemaking tradition and is the most important red variety in the country. Varietal wines are produced from it, and it also appears in blends. Tannins: generally medium. Acidity: from medium to high. Structure/body: medium, but can have a wonderful, silky texture. Aromas: red and black fruits, with a hint of blackcurrant and spices, as well as accents of cherry, raspberry, mulberry, and blackberry, leading to a slightly bitter but very pleasant finish. If aged in oak, we additionally get notes of vanilla and smoke. Areni is often described as a stylistic combination of Pinot Noir and Sangiovese. Wines from Karas Winery Eduardo Eurnekian and his niece Juliana are responsible for the Karas winery. After 10 years of developing a wine project in Argentine Patagonia, they turned their eyes to the cradle of winemaking – Armenia. Here, with the help of renowned French wine consultant Michel Rolland, relying on traditional values and using modern technologies, they elevate Karas products to the highest level of quality. Many of their wines receive ratings above 90 points. Get to know a few of them: Karas Areni – characterized by a fairly light color – typical for Areni – and a rich and complex bouquet, in which we find notes of red fruits: raspberries and strawberries, herbs, and subtle mineral accents. It has a medium build, nicely preserved acidity, delicate tannins, and a well-balanced, seductive, lasting finish. Karas Reserve Areni Sireni – an excellent wine created based on local Areni and Sireni varieties. The grapes were hand-picked into small, 20-kilogram crates. The varieties are vinified separately, and then the wines age for half a year, with Areni aging in amphorae, while Sireni ages in Armenian oak barrels. The wine features an intense color, full body, and complex aroma with accents of cherry, dried fruits, violets, and wet earth. On the palate, it is fruity, with delicate spice accents. It has good acidity, rich structure, and distinct mineral notes. Grand Karas – the highest class wine from Karas winery, most fully reflecting the characteristics of the local terroir. It is based on the best and carefully selected grapes, mainly Syrah, complemented by Cabernet Franc and Montepulciano. It aged for 14 months in Armenian and French oak barrels, and then a year in bottle. Beautiful, deep ruby color. Rich bouquet full of notes of red fruits, pink pepper, and herbs. Complex and elegant in taste. Full body, soft, smooth tannins, and long finish. This is a wine of great complexity and potential, created by chief winemaker Gabriel Rogel with the consultation of renowned French oenologist Michel Rolland. Grand Karas represents Armenian heritage, combining ancient traditions with modern winemaking techniques.