The pinnacle of high altitude viticulture, with altitudes ranging between 1400-1500 mtrs asl (4500 – 5000ft)). There are no vineyards dedicated to Chilar. The grapes are gathered from among random rows of 30 to 40 year old vineyards in the surroundings of Zorah estate in the Vayotz Dzor region. A Phylloxera free terroir, all vines are on their own roots. The soils are low vigour, sub-alkaline and rich in limestone and large stones with a first layer of sand.
Completely abandoned by locals and almost on the road to extinction
Chilar is an ancient endemic grape variety to Armenia and present in the highlands of Vayotz Dzor. The clusters are elongated and cylindrical with medium sized berries which tend to be oval in shape with a greenish colour but more yellowish on the sunny side. The skin has a thin wax coating and is hardy, which protects the berry from disease and substantial day /night temperature variations.
