Zorah 2024 Milar – Vayots Dzor, Armenia
The Debut of Armenia's Next Great Indigenous Grape
New Arrival • First Commercial Release • Limited Production
The release of Zorah 2024 Milar marks one of the most exciting moments in the modern history of Armenian wine.
Following years of research, vineyard selection, and experimentation, Zorik Gharibian, founder of Zorah Wines, introduces the winery's first wine made entirely from the ancient indigenous Milar grape—a variety that has quietly existed throughout Armenia for centuries but has rarely been bottled as a standalone wine.
I had the privilege of tasting Milar for the very first time during Wine Paris 2025, where it officially debuted before the international wine community. During my conversation with Zorik, it became immediately clear that this was more than a new wine—it was the beginning of a new chapter in Armenia's remarkable wine story.
After introducing the world to Zorah Karasi, one of the benchmark wines responsible for putting Armenia back on the global fine wine map, Zorik once again demonstrates that Armenia's extraordinary viticultural heritage still holds undiscovered treasures waiting to be revealed.
This is not innovation for the sake of novelty.
It is the thoughtful continuation of a philosophy built upon indigenous grapes, authenticity, terroir, and respect for Armenia's 6,000-year-old winemaking tradition.
Reviving an Ancient Armenian Variety
Milar is one of Armenia's oldest native grape varieties, yet until recently it remained largely overlooked.
Beginning in 2019, Zorah initiated an ambitious project of massal selection, carefully identifying exceptional ancient Milar vines growing around the Vayots Dzor region. Cuttings from these historic vines were propagated using traditional methods before being replanted on carefully selected estate vineyards.
More than seven years of study allowed the team to understand how Milar responds to Zorah's unique terroir and how to express its personality with precision and restraint.
The result is one of the most exciting indigenous wines to emerge from Armenia in recent years.
Exceptional Terroir
The vineyards are located in the spectacular mountains of Vayots Dzor, where vineyards sit at approximately 1,400 meters (4,500 feet) above sea level.
These limestone and calcareous soils naturally limit vine vigor while promoting concentration, freshness, and remarkable minerality.
Like all Zorah vineyards, these are phylloxera-free, allowing the vines to grow on their own original roots—an increasingly rare advantage in the modern wine world and an authentic link to Armenia's ancient viticultural heritage.
Traditional Winemaking
Remaining faithful to Zorah's philosophy of minimal intervention, fermentation takes place in unlined, temperature-controlled concrete tanks using gentle extraction techniques that preserve purity and freshness.
The wine is then aged in a combination of traditional Armenian karas (clay amphorae) and concrete vessels before spending an additional six months refining in bottle prior to release.
The result is a wine that speaks clearly of its grape, its landscape, and its history.
Tasting Notes
Deep ruby in color, the bouquet opens with vibrant aromas of mulberry, blueberry, sour cherry, balsamic herbs, mountain spices, and wild flowers, complemented by subtle earthy mineral notes.
The palate is energetic and beautifully structured, delivering layers of dark cherry, black plum, fresh herbs, cracked pepper, and savory spice, supported by finely integrated tannins and striking natural acidity.
Freshness defines the wine from beginning to end, leading to a long, mineral-driven finish that promises exceptional development with bottle age.
Milar offers an entirely different expression from Areni—more structured, more savory, and wonderfully distinctive—while remaining unmistakably Armenian.
Why This Wine Matters
The release of Zorah Milar represents far more than a new bottling.
It demonstrates that Armenia's ancient vineyards still possess remarkable untapped genetic diversity capable of producing world-class wines.
For collectors and adventurous wine lovers alike, this is an opportunity to experience the very beginning of what may become one of Armenia's most celebrated indigenous grape varieties.
Just as Zorah Karasi transformed global perceptions of Areni, Milar may very well become the next great chapter in Armenia's wine renaissance.
Food Pairing
The wine's freshness and structure make it exceptionally versatile alongside food.
Excellent with:
- Grilled lamb chops
- Beef kebabs
- Venison
- Duck breast
- Wild mushrooms
- Armenian khorovats
- Herb-roasted chicken
- Aged cheeses
- Mediterranean cuisine
- Slow-braised meats
Serving Suggestions
-
Serving Temperature: 60–64°F (16–18°C)
-
Decant: 30–45 minutes recommended.
-
Cellaring: Drink now through 2038+.
Why You'll Love This Wine
- First commercial release of Zorah Milar
- Ancient indigenous Armenian grape
- Produced by Armenia's pioneering fine wine estate
- High-altitude vineyards at 1,400 meters
- Phylloxera-free vineyards
- Limestone and calcareous soils
- Traditional Armenian karas (amphora) aging
- Concrete fermentation and aging
- Minimal intervention winemaking
- Indigenous grape preservation through massal selection
- Extremely limited production
- Outstanding aging potential
- One of Armenia's most important new wine releases
Learn More
I had the opportunity to taste Zorah Milar during its international debut at Wine Paris and sit down with founder Zorik Gharibian to discuss the story behind this remarkable new wine, the revival of the ancient Milar grape, and the future of Armenian winemaking.
Watch the interview on the Always Drink the Good Stuff! and discover why this wine represents one of the most exciting developments in Armenia's modern wine renaissance. https://youtu.be/BrlqiZhhT24?si=ay_BdNWRRRSALrF7
