Maran Halde Underwater Aged Red Dry Wine 2020

Aged at the bottom of lake qari (Kari) on Aragats summit at 3,185 meters above sea level, the temperature at the bottom of the lake is 3.56 °C and below. Mount Aragats is the second highest peak in the Armenian highlands at 4,100 meters, after the biblical Mount Ararat with the highest peak of 5,137 meters.

The wine aged underwater has more intensive colour with purple hues, while the control sample developed brick hues typical for classical bottle ageing. The nose of the aged wine is more settled, noble, and mature, rather than young and fresh, to be expected at lower temperatures. The wine feels on the palate more refined and polished than the control sample.

Concluding organoleptic and laboratory findings - underwater ageing affected thequality in an unusual and unexpected, and certainly beneficial wya; the wine has gained colour intensity, as well as preserved more meaningful substances, at the same time tasting older and nobler.

This aged red dry wine is a marrage between 85% Areni Noir grown in Vayots Dzor and 15% Malbec grape variety grown in Armavir region of Armenia.

The wine has a deep ruby color. Intense aroma, pronounced notes of cherries and wild berries. In the result of underwhater aging the wine becomes velvety with matured tannins and nicely expressed berry notes.

The winery own thirty-two acres of land, all of which is under vine. The soil is pale brown with immature humus horizons with a mechanical composition of mixed clay, sand and carbonates.

For the main wines, they conduct classic vinification in stainless steel tanks at cold temperatures for white and rose wines, and at medium to high temperatures with intensive cap management for red wines.

The origins of Maran Winery date back to 1828 and 1830, when Sargis, son of Eynat and his wife Maran repatriated from Persia to the Armenian province of Vayots Dzor. In 1860, Harutyun, Sargis’s son, expanded the vineyard his parents had planted and called it Maran as a tribute to his mother. With a semi-industrial approach, the family was making wine up until the Soviets took the power and seized production. On the eve of the Soviet collapse, a descendent of Maran, Avag Harutyunyan, finished his studies in winemaking, obtained his PhD degree abroad and committed himself to revitalize the family traditions. After almost 200 years, the tradition of Maran winemaking is still alive, encapsulated in their beloved wines Noravank, Bagratuni, Areni Marani and many others.

The Company vineyards are located in the mountainous southern region of Vayots Dzor, at altitudes of 1,350 meters (4,400 feet) to 1,450 meters (4,800 feet) above sea level. The oldest winery in the world, Areni Cave 1, which dates back to 4000 B.C., is situated nearby, just across the gorge. The most prominently cultivated varietals include Areni Noire, Voskehat, Khatoun Kharji and more. Growing only in this region of Armenia, they are considered the forefathers of international varietals. The exquisite wines of Maran, not only grape but also pomegranate, can be found in Armenia as well as in Russia and Europe.

Avag Harutyunyan is the owner and director of the winery. Avag Harutyunyan and his son Frunz Harutyunyan both hold PhD degrees in winemaking technologies and are the winemakers responsible for the entire workflow.