The definition of “Armenian cognac” for many connoisseurs of strong drinks, especially during the Soviet Union, was a kind of quality certificate. One of the characteristic representatives of those very good Armenian cognacs is the “Country of Stones”. The name of the brand is consonant with the second name of Armenia, which is called the country of stones and rocky mountains, surrounding the Ararat valley from all sides. The Stone Land line is represented by drinks from 3 to 20 years of aging, some collection series are sold in souvenir tubes and designer boxes.
Historical reference. The brandy is produced by Ararat Winery LLC, but this is a modern name. The factory was founded in 1903 by a group of Armenian winemakers and was the largest alcohol producer in Armenia after the Yerevan Brandy Factory founded by Nerses Tairyan in 1877. But if Tairyan sold the enterprise to Shustov and Sons at the end of the XNUMXth century, then the plant located at the foot of Ararat continues to flourish under its own name. And yet it remains private property.
Unlike the French, who consider cognac only a drink made from the grapes of the Cognac province, the Armenians are convinced that the Ararat Valley is best suited for growing “cognac” grapes. For the “Country of Stones” varieties of kahet, khardzhi, msakhi from the vineyards belonging to the plant are used – their area is about 150 hectares.
Ararat wine, before becoming cognac spirit, goes through four distillations. Alcohols mature in oak barrels, in factory cellars, where a stable temperature regime is maintained, regardless of the season. Barrels are harvested right there – the plant has its own cooper’s shop.
Ararat Winery is successfully developing, and in 2000 it was awarded a gold medal at the VINEXPO exhibition. Stone Land in 2011 received the “Breakthrough of the Year” award at the Moscow International Exhibition “PRODEXPO”.
Assortment of cognacs Country of stones
Stone Land, 5 Years Old, (40%). Cognac class VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale), which guarantees the use of spirits in the blend is not younger than 4 years. Golden-amber drink with a fruity-almond aroma has a rich soft taste with hints of almonds, dried fruits and chocolate. The aftertaste is of medium duration with vanilla notes and a slightly tart aftertaste. Bartenders recommend drinking the drink slightly warm (the glass is warmed in the palms), but not higher than 17-18°C. Cognac is served as a digestif, it goes well with a fruit platter.
Stone Land, 7 Years Old, (40%). A VO (Very Old) class amber drink with a rich aroma, in which notes of almonds, vanilla, dried cherries and lightly smoked prunes are noticeable. Velvety taste with hints of dried fruits, nuts and light tart tones. Long warm aftertaste. Recommended as a digestif, but can be served with desserts. The temperature of the drink for consumption should not exceed 20°C.
Stone Land, 10 Years Old, (40%). Cognac class XO (Extra Old), which guarantees the use of spirits in the blend is not younger than 6 years. The drink is dark amber in color with golden gleams and smells of southern fruits, almonds and chocolate. The taste is deep, multifaceted, velvety, with notes of chocolate and nutty tartness. Long warm aftertaste with hints of almonds. The recommended drinking temperature is 18-20°C, best paired with coffee.
Stone Land, 15 Years Old, (40%). Dark amber drink with the aroma of roasted almonds, vanilla and caramel. The taste is soft, with hints of chocolate, dried cherries and oriental spices. Long warming aftertaste with hints of almonds. Served as a digestif, it goes well with juicy apples, southern fruits and coffee.
