In 2012, the Zhemchuzhina of Yerevan drink conquered ProdExpo in Moscow, earning flattering reviews from international experts. The head of the Armenian brandy house Armen Shahnazaryan considers the “Pearl of Yerevan” one of the most successful products of his company, which is confirmed by sales. He also notes the recognition of the drink among competitors, due to the stylish design of the bottle and the successful color scheme of the label in golden, black and white. Experts note a velvety taste with chocolate-vanilla nuances and a delicate aroma with tones of dried cherries, pears and prunes.
About the company
Shahnazaryan Wine and Cognac House is one of the youngest enterprises of this level in Armenia. Founded as a family business in 2005 and named after the founder.
The production workshops were originally organized in the Ararat Valley, on the territory of the Parakarsky wine and cognac plant built in 1924, which, along with long-term stocks of cognac spirits, was bought by the head of the Shahnazaryan family. But then production volumes began to grow, the amount of alcohol increased, and new storage facilities were needed. And the Shahnazaryans decided to build a new plant, which was built fifteen kilometers from Yerevan – in Yeghvard, located at the foot of Mount Ara.
Armen Shahnazaryan calls this place symbolic, sacred: the plant and the 50 hectares of vineyards adjacent to it are located between the two oldest churches in Armenia – the Zoravar church built in the XNUMXth century by Prince Mamikonyan in the west and the Astvatsatsin church-tomb built in the XNUMXth century in the east. But one place is not enough for success, the main reason for which the head of the House considers the skillful combination of national winemaking traditions and innovations in the production of the drink and the careful selection of professional personnel.
The modern enterprise is equipped with the latest Italian technology, almost fully automated, and devices that control the quality of products in accordance with European standards are installed at all stages of production. The company has its own cooperage workshop, where barrels are made from imported French oak and their Caucasian oak.
Shakhnakhzaryan Cognac House is not only a major manufacturer, but also one of the most famous exporters of cognac spirits in Russia, the company supplies its distillates to such well-known Russian enterprises as the Stavropol Wine and Brandy Factory and Usovskie Wine and Brandy Cellars.
Wine and Cognac House “Shahnazaryan” is among the top five producers of Armenian brandy, is a member of the Union of Brandy Producers of Armenia, has 9 national and 5 international awards. The chief winemaker of the plant, Vardan Vardanyan, was awarded the title of “The Best Winemaker of Armenia” in 2013. In 2014, X5 Retail Group held an open competition for the best producer of Armenian cognac. According to its results, the Shahnazaryan enterprise received excellent results – 87 points out of 100, which is an undoubted success.
Characteristics of the “Pearl of Yerevan” skate
Zhemchuzhina of Yerevan, 3 Years Old (40%). A drink of bright amber color with golden gleams created from cognac distillates of three and four years of aging. Slightly expressive floral-fruity aroma with notes of honey and raisins. The taste is soft, rich and harmonious, shades of dried fruits and candied orange predominate. Long vanilla-almond aftertaste. Recommended as a digestif, sometimes served with a slice of lemon or orange. The drink goes well with chocolate and coffee.