# Tushpa Haghtanak Red Dry Wine (2023)

- **Producer:** Tushpa Wine Cellar
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Haghtanak
- **Region:** Ararat Valley, Armenia
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €23
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackberry, blackcurrant, plum, cherry, smoke, vanilla

## About this wine

Tushpa Wine Cellar was founded in 1992 by winemaker Mihran Manaseryan in the Ararat Valley, 35 km south of Yerevan under the shadow of Mount Ararat. The estate name pays tribute to Tushpa, the ancient capital city of the Urartu kingdom located near Lake Van, reflecting a commitment to ancient Armenian winemaking tradition. The vineyards sit at an elevation of 800 meters on clay and limestone-rich soils, benefitting from sunny days and mountain airflow.

## Interesting facts

- Haghtanak means 'Victory' in Armenian and is a rare teinturier grape with both dark skin and red flesh.
- Tushpa is named after the ancient capital of the Urartu kingdom near Lake Van, honoring centuries of heritage.
- The wine is matured in native Caucasian oak barrels made from Quercus macranthera trees.

## Food pairing

The intense fruit concentration, full body, and robust tannin structure of Haghtanak require heartier, protein-rich dishes. Rich grilled meats and aged cheeses soften the firm tannins while complementing the deep dark fruit and subtle wood spice character.

## Wine making process

The Haghtanak grapes are organically farmed and hand-harvested at optimal maturity. Fermentation occurs spontaneously using native wild yeasts in stainless steel cellar tanks with minimal human intervention. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for 7 months in Caucasian oak barrels (Quercus macranthera). Fining is performed naturally using bentonite clay and gum arabic before bottling.