Sireni can be found at elevations of around 400 mtrs asl (1350 ft) in clay sedimentary soils. The vineyards from which the Sireni is sourced are dry farmed with no irrigation. In contrast the Ararati grapes are sourced from the highlands of Vayotz Dzor at elevations of 1300 mtrs asl (4270 ft). Despite its high potential this variety is on the verge of extinction. The grapes are gathered from among random rows of 30/40 year old vineyards in the surroundings of ZORAH estate.
Indigenous to Artsakh Sireni is a mid- ripening red grape variety which grows exclusively in the soft climate of this region.
The bunches are compact with very dark berries. It is resistant to summer drought but sensitive to cold winter temperatures. Ararati on the other hand, which takes its name from Armenia’s sacred Mountain Ararat, is an indigenous white grape variety and grows well in the highlands of Vayotz Dzor. It has large juicy greenish, yellow berries. It is late ripening and resistant to disease. Ararati has been largely ignored by locals and to this date no wines have been made from this variety.
