The fame of Armenian cognac in the post-Soviet space surpassed that of French winemakers from the province of Cognac. And not only because imported cognacs were not available to the Soviet consumer. The popularity of Armenian drinks is due to the quality of grapes and brandy spirits grown on volcanic soil, as well as to the rich traditions of production. Including – at the Ararat brandy factory.
Historical reference. The name of the trademark is associated with the legendary Armenian commander, canonized saints – there is even a church of St. Sargis in Yerevan. Emperor Constantine appointed Sargis the commander of the Armenian army for his bravery in battle. But besides military prowess, Sargis was a sincere believer and possessed the gift of preaching, he is revered in Armenia as a brave man who died for his faith.
According to legend, Saint Sargis facilitated the meeting of the hero of Armenian mythology Ashig Gharib with his beloved. (Mikhail Lermontov wrote about the history of the folk singer (ashug) Garib in his research and made the film “Ashig Garib” by the famous director Parajanov). Therefore, in Armenia, Sargis is considered the patron saint of hearts in love, as in Europe, St. Valentine.
It is interesting that the director of the Ararat brandy factory is called Sargis Grigoryevich Varzhapetyan.
Among the features of Sargis, manufacturers name an ancient recipe, the use of an original cooling system in production, and a technology by which alcohols aged for 20 or more years are added to very young drinks.
About the manufacturer
At the origins of the Ararat brandy factory is the legendary personality of the merchant Nerses Tairyan, who in 1887 created his own enterprise within the walls of the ancient fortress of the Ararat valley. In the 50s of the last century, it was reconstructed, modernized and registered as the Yerevan Brandy Factory. The name was changed in 2002 – now it is the Ararat plant, not the Yevrevan one.
In the cellars of the enterprise there are a large number of old cognac spirits, some of which have been preserved since the time of Nerses Tairyan and are the golden fund of both the plant and Armenian winemaking as a whole.
Sargis cognac is known far beyond the borders of the country, it is most popular in Russia, the United States, and in the CIS countries.
Assortment of cognacs “Sargis”
- Sargis 3 stars, 40%. Three-star cognac class VS (Very Special) smells pleasantly of spring flowers, notes of apple and vanilla are guessed in a mild taste. The color of the drink is amber, in sunlight it seems slightly reddish. Recommended as a digestif, goes well with coffee.
- Sargis 4 stars, 40%. A four-star VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) cognac has a light vanilla aroma, harmonious taste is dominated by vanilla-almond shades. Deep amber color with golden highlights. A drink is served with desserts and coffee.
- Sargis 5 stars, 40%. Dark amber five-star VVSOP (Very Very Superior Old Pale) cognac. Light floral vanilla aroma. Velvety taste with notes of spring greens, apples and vanilla. Recommended as a digestif, goes well with fruits.
- Grand Sargis, 10 Years Old, 40%. Collectible drink of dark honey color with golden gleams. According to the French classification, it corresponds to the XO (Extra Old) class. Pleasant aroma with floral and honey notes. The taste is dominated by hints of vanilla, almond and chocolate. Recommended by bartenders as a digestif.
- Grand Sargis, 50 Years Old, 41%. Exclusive cognac of rich tea color with a hint of burgundy. The complex aroma is dominated by notes of almond and vanilla. Mild taste with hints of chocolate, vanilla and dried cherries. Warm long aftertaste. Restaurant critics and connoisseurs recommend the drink as a digestif.
