The 2021 Zorah Heritage Chilar Skin-Contact White is an distinctive Armenian white wine made from the indigenous Voskehat grape, grown in the high-altitude vineyards of the Vayots Dzor region. Fermented with extended skin contact using traditional techniques, this wine offers a textured and characterful expression, combining aromatic complexity with the freshness and minerality that define Armenia's ancient winemaking heritage.
On the palate, it is medium-bodied with a gently grippy texture, lively natural acidity and layers of quince, dried apricot, orange peel and baked apple, complemented by subtle herbal notes, tea-like tannins and a savoury mineral edge. Extended skin contact provides depth and structure without overwhelming the fruit, while the finish is long, dry and persistent with impressive balance.
Ben's Recommendation: At Wine More Cellars, the 2021 Zorah Heritage Chilar Skin-Contact White is a great choice for adventurous wine drinkers looking to explore traditional skin-contact wines and indigenous grape varieties. Its textured style pairs particularly well with roast chicken, grilled pork, mushroom dishes, Middle Eastern cuisine, hard cheeses or roasted root vegetables. Enjoy now for its vibrant fruit and savoury complexity, or cellar for a further 5–8 years as additional bottle age will continue to build nuance and depth.
