Tushpa, Ararat Valley (Armenia) Haghtanak 2014

 Archeological evidence suggests that Armenia may have been the first place in the world to make wine with grapes.  Although Armenia’s ancient wine industry continues to endure, winemakers have had their share of hardship as Armenia was conquered by one empire after another.  Soviet rule nearly erased traditional winemaking as Armenia was designated a brandy-producing country until the early 1990’s.  It wasn’t until the late ‘90s that winemakers started to breathe life back into the industry.  Tushpa brings together Armenia’s ancient traditions and modern passion for winemaking.  The nose on the Tushpa 2014 Reserve (made entirely from the Haghtanak grape variety) erupts with notes of red and black fruit.  This wine offers opulent flavors of black cherry, blackcurrant, clove, vanilla, and tobacco with a silky textured composition and a long and smooth finish.