2020 Zulal Voskehat Armenia 750 ml

Zulal’s winery was founded to unearth and revive lost and forgotten grape varieties. It’s a mission any true wine lover can get behind, but Zulal’s 2020 Voskehat makes it especially easy with its vivid, mineral-driven profile. Crisp and aromatic, this unoaked white will entice fans of classics like Grüner Veltliner or Albariño while adding a thrilling exotic spin. 

The indigenous Voskehat grape translates to “golden berry” and is generally recognized as the queen of Armenia’s varieties—though it’s overdue for a royal welcome onto the international wine scene. 

Zulal means “pure” in Armenian, and indeed the winery’s Voskehat is the purest expression you can find. Brightly expressive, a pale golden hue ripples with a silvery sheen, reflecting a floral perfume of jasmine, linden, and lilac. The fruit character almost plays a supporting role, but a thrilling one at that, with notes of fresh pineapple, Meyer lemon, and yellow apple.

The palate’s rounded lychee and lush starfruit are wonderfully balanced with a zesty citrus acidity and pronounced mineral expression, while a touch of white pepper on the finish adds a savory dimension that begs for a baked lemon fish or lightly creamy pasta pairing.

It comes from 50-year-old ungrafted vines grown in volcanic rock at 5,000 feet above sea level in Vayots Dzor—the southeast corner of Armenia that’s fast becoming one of the most exciting places for the country’s wine renaissance. Eschewing oak in favor of stainless steel keeps this old vine white as vibrant and pure as it is expressive of its ancient terroir.