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Last year, I tasted Armenian wine for the first time and was captivated. Armenia, the cradle of wine with the world’s oldest wine production facility, had escaped my notice. This reaffirmed that wine continually surprises those who seek new experiences.
Aimee Keushgerian, the Founder of Zulal Wines; Courtesy of Zulal Wines
In my first encounter, I spoke with Aimee Keushguerian, the Founder of Zulal Wines, who shared her father’s role as an early pioneer of Armenian wine and her inspiration to follow in his footsteps.
Vale Keushguerian, Winemaker for Keush Winery
Coincidentally, I had the opportunity to engage in a conversation with her father, Vahe Keushguerian, the Winemaker at Keush Winery over 17 months later. It was truly enlightening to gain his insights into the ongoing renaissance of grape growing and wine production and the shared passion they both have.
A Little About Armenia
Arpa River Valley, Courtesy of Storica Wines
Armenia is frequently acknowledged as one of the origins of winemaking, supported by archaeological findings tracing wine production back some 6,100 years. However, the dynamics of government influence significantly altered the winemaking landscape. The country fell under Soviet rule from 1920 to 1991, leading to a period where winemaking took a back seat as government directives dictated production priorities. During this time, brandy production took precedence over wine, and at one point, Armenia supplied a quarter of all brandy consumed within the Soviet Union.
This Article was originally published on Dallas Wine Chick