Origin of the Legend
According to legend, humanity first tasted wine and felt its magic effects when Noah sipped it at the foot of Mount Ararat, where legendary ARARAT brandies are produced today.
ARARAT brandies offer a multisensory experience distinguished by:
- deep amber color
- intense aroma
- rich taste with velvety structure
- long aftertaste
What makes this combination so successful?
- Unique microclimate in the Ararat valley
The climate of Armenia, and the Ararat valley in particular, is drastically different from what one finds in the brandy and cognac producing areas of France, Spain and Greece. Long-term climatic observations in the Ararat valley, located at 700 m above sea level, have shown that the area enjoys 300 sunny days a year. These climatic conditions cause a high concentration of aromatic substances and sugar in the grapes. In addition, there are nearly 30 soil varieties in the Ararat valley. As a result, the same grape variety can have multiple taste nuances, which is characteristic of ARARAT brandies.
- Careful selection of grapes
ARARAT brandies are only produced from grapes that are local to the Ararat valley: Voskehat, Garan Dmak, Rkatsiteli, Mskhali, Kangun. When transplanted to other areas, these grape varieties do not take root, or if they do, they lose their unique character. The grapes’ intense aroma and rich taste are passed along to ARARAT brandies, transforming into a delicate, long aftertaste with fine notes of vanilla, fruit and chocolate.
- Patented distillation process
The original double distillation method patented by Yerevan Brandy Company allows all of the unique features of Armenian grapes to survive in the brandy spirits. Unlike other producers’ technologies, this more expensive and lengthy process maximizes the retention of the aromatic and gustatory properties of the grapes.
- Aging only in oak barrels
The spirits for ARARAT brandies are aged in oak barrels. In 2002, Yerevan Brandy Company resumed the manufacture of its own barrels from Caucasian oak growing in Armenia. Since the beginning of the 20th century, Caucasian oak has been famous in Europe for its dense rose-tinted structure, which gives the brandies a natural taste of vanilla, chocolate and dried fruits. When spirits distilled from local Armenian grape varieties come into contact with the surface of barrels made of Armenian oak, the result is the unique bouquet of ARARAT brandies. No other country or producer has ever been able to reproduce that effect.
- Highest standards of quality since 1887
ARARAT brandies are made exclusively by Yerevan Brandy Company, which has carefully guarded the traditions behind this legendary drink for over 100 years. As a result of the company’s adherence to the highest standards of quality during all stages of production, ARARAT brandies are appreciated by specialists and discerning drinkers around the world. While remaining firmly rooted in tradition, Yerevan Brandy Company surpasses other local producers by constantly upgrading its facilities to meet international quality standards. The company employs the quality and environmental control programs favored by European food industry leaders.
ARARAT brandies are recognized as a national symbol of Armenia.