KARASI COLLECTION
HAGHTANAK RED DRY 750ML
ARMENIA • ARARAT VALLEY / VAYOTS DZOR • ANCESTRAL POTENCY AND KARASI CULTURE
"An oenological victory from the cradle of wine. Strictly dry in profile and made with the powerful native Haghtanak grape, a wine of impenetrable intensity, vigorous tannins, and spicy notes of oak and volcanic earth."
Untamed Character of Haghtanak Grape, Karasi Vessels, and Volcanic Soils of the Caucasus
The Karasi Collection Haghtanak Red Dry 750ml Wine pays homage to the rich winemaking heritage of Armenia, considered by historians as the millennial cradle of global viticulture. The word "Karasi" refers to traditional Armenian clay amphorae buried in the earth, used for over 6,000 years to vinify and age unique wines. Distinctively made with the indigenous Haghtanak grape (whose name means "Victory" in Armenian), this red wine impresses with its strictly dry profile, deep opaque color, and extraordinary concentration. Sourced from high-altitude vineyards on volcanic and clay soils rich in minerals, the Haghtanak grape offers a luscious body, vibrant acidity, and a complexity highlighting wild blackberry, cassis, black pepper, licorice, and subtle toasted notes of Armenian oak.
1. Technical Details
Producer / Winery: Karasi Collection / Voskevaz (Armenian Heritage Selection).
Region of Origin: Ararat Valley and Vayots Dzor, Armenia (High-altitude volcanic soils).
Grape Variety: 100% Haghtanak (Armenian native grape with great color and structure).
Wine Type: High-End Dry Red Wine / Terroir Reserve.
Flavor Classification: Dry (Intense, luscious, spicy, with powerful yet polished tannins and a long fruity and smoky finish).
Vinification and Aging: Manual harvesting selected from low-yield plots. Prolonged maceration for aromatic and tannic extraction. Careful aging in Armenian oak barrels and traditional Karasi tanks, providing mineral complexity, smoothness on the palate, and fine spice notes.
Alcohol Content: 14.0% Vol.
Presentation: 750 ml heavy glass Bordeaux bottle.
Serving Temperature: 16°C - 18°C. Decanting 20 to 30 minutes before consumption is recommended to allow the bouquet to fully open.
SKU / MPN: AM-KARASI-HAGHTANAK-RED-750
2. Luxury Tasting Notes
Appearance: Very intense and almost impenetrable purple-red, with deep garnet rims, high density, and thick, slow-falling tears.
Nose: Abundant, spicy, and captivating. Aromatic explosion of ripe blackberries, dried figs, cassis, and pomegranate, intertwined with notes of black peppercorn, clove, bitter cocoa, pipe tobacco, and earthy, volcanic undertones.
Palate: Powerful, full, and strictly dry entry. Structured palate of great volume, with present and fleshy tannins harmoniously balanced by fresh mountain acidity. The finish is extraordinarily long, spicy, with hints of ripe black fruit.
3. Wine Architecture
4. Recommended Moments and Pairings
High-End Gourmet Pairing: Due to its vigorous structure, strictly dry profile, and tannic intensity, Karasi Collection Haghtanak is the perfect accompaniment for high-character gastronomy, smoked dishes, and meats with noble fat. Splendid pairing for rosemary-roasted lamb, seasoned beef skewers (Khorovats), slow-cooked beef stews, venison or wild boar, grilled pork ribs, duck confit, ossobuco, spiced tagine, portobello mushroom and truffle risottos, as well as powerful aged cheeses (Roquefort, aged Gouda, Pecorino, and aged Manchego) with artisanal regional cured meats.
Suggested Moments:
- Gourmet Barbecue: The ideal red wine to pair with marbled cuts on the grill (Ribeye, Tomahawk, Picanha, and artisan sausages), where its tannins cleanse and perfectly match the richness of the meat.
- Family Meal: Perfect for Sunday banquets and festive long meals accompanied by rich dishes and roasted meats.
- Special Celebration: A memorable bottle for toasting anniversaries, Christmas gatherings, and solemn moments where a wine with history and character is desired.
- Romantic Dinner: Adds an exotic, sophisticated, and intriguing note to the table, pairing intimate evenings with game dishes or pasta with intense ragù.
- Business (Executive Meals): An unconventional option that will pleasantly surprise connoisseur partners and clients looking to try an exotic ancestral wine.
- Summer (Terrace Nights): Ideal for outdoor dinners on cool summer nights, served slightly chilled (15°C-16°C) alongside grilled meats or kebabs.
- The Perfect Gift: The essential gift for collectors, sommeliers, and passionate oenophiles eager to discover the ancient oenology of the Caucasus.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
What is the specific origin and winery of this spirit?
This red wine is produced in Armenia (in the Ararat Valley and Vayots Dzor regions) by the renowned winery Karasi Collection / Voskevaz, specialists in preserving native Armenian varieties.
Is this wine dry, semi-dry, or sweet?
The Karasi Collection Haghtanak Red Wine has a strictly dry profile. It has no perceptible residual sugars, offering a firm, tannic taste with excellent acidity and depth.
What does "Karasi" mean and what is the Haghtanak grape?
"Karasi" refers to the ancestral clay vessels used in Armenia for winemaking. "Haghtanak" is an indigenous Armenian grape variety known for producing dark, full-bodied wines with great tannic richness and spicy notes.
Is it suggested to oxygenate or decant this wine before drinking?
Yes, being a powerful and concentrated red, it is recommended to decant it or let it breathe in a glass for 20 to 30 minutes at a temperature of 16°C to 18°C to enhance its nuances of black fruit and spices.
