“Armenian Gold”, “Arshatal”, “Aragil” – all this is the brandy of Chateau-Arno LLC, a young enterprise from the Ararat Valley. They are united by traditional Armenian production technologies and the persistent attempts of the company’s blenders to achieve new shades of taste for drinks produced in Armenia. The name Chateau-Arno is borrowed from French – there is a famous winery (Chateau) in the Bordeaux region, the name of the founder of which is Arno. With this name, the owners wanted to emphasize the connection between the French and Armenian cognac traditions.
About company. Chateau-Arno Limited Liability Company was established in 2002 on the basis of a small wine and cognac factory in the Ararat Valley. The company does not have its own vineyards; wine materials for the production of drinks are purchased from local farmers. For cognac spirits, Armenian grape varieties are used: growing only in the Ararat Valley “garandmak” and created by Armenian winegrowers in 1979, the technical variety “kangun” – it was obtained by crossing the famous Georgian “rkatsiteli” and “Sukhoi Liman white”. Prior to Chateau-Arno, the new late-ripening grape variety was used only in the production of table and dessert white wines.
In 2010-2015, the company was on the verge of bankruptcy. Due to the economic crisis in the country, many wine-making companies in Armenia suspended their work and reduced production volumes. LLC “Chateau-Arno” had difficulties with the registration of trademarks, the courts to defend their interests almost ruined the company, they had to suspend the construction of a new workshop, which had begun back in 5, for 2013 years. But the hard times are over. And in April 2018, the Armenian government extended the terms of VAT payments on new French equipment for the plant for another three years. This will make it possible to resume work and reconstruct the second building in the village of Aintap, open new production lines.
The company plans to popularize not only Armenian cognacs, but also wines – today they produce 8 types of wines, including the berry wine of the Arzakan series – Blackberry, which has become popular in Russia.
Chateau-Arno drinks are little known outside of Armenia, but they are regularly supplied to Russia – long-term supply contracts have been concluded with Molniya, Prospekt, Dixie and other Russian retail chains.
Traditionally, Armenian cognacs are recommended as a digestif, but it can also be served as an aperitif, bartenders use Chateau-Arno brandy as an ingredient for cocktails.
Types of cognacs Chateau-Arno
Aragil, 3 Years Old (40%). Light golden three-star brandy with a delicate aroma of vanilla and a pleasant fruity-chocolate taste. Astringent aftertaste of medium duration.
Aragil, 5 Years Old (40%). Amber with a golden sheen, five-star drink pleasantly smells of vanilla, shades of chocolate and candied fruits are distinguishable in taste. Long warm aftertaste with tart tones.
“Legends of Mount Aragats” (40%) Golden-amber brandy with a fresh fruity aroma, in which you can hear notes of orange peel and a slight astringency of oak bark. Intense taste with hints of lemon, dried figs and creamy caramel. The aftertaste is of medium duration with almond aftertaste.
“Arshatar” (40%). Amber drink with vanilla-fruity aroma and nutty taste. Short bitter aftertaste.
“Armenian gold” (40%). The most famous cognac “Chateau Arnault” won gold at ProdExpo -2006 in Moscow. Traditional vanilla aroma and velvety almost neutral taste with barely noticeable tart notes.
Chateau-Arno, Blend No. 3 (40%) Golden brandy made from cognac spirits aged three years. Delicate fruity aroma with honey notes. Harmonious honey-vanilla taste.
Chateau-Arno, Blend No. 5 (40%) An amber drink made from cognac spirits aged for at least five years smells pleasantly of vanilla and apples, hints of honey and astringency of oak are noticeable in the taste.
