ArmInfo.The research group formed on the initiative of the Viticulture and Wine Industry Foundation (VWFA) in August-September 2018 conducted research in the regions of Armenia where they are engaged in wine-growing,
including Ararat, Armavir, Tavush, Vayots Dzor and Syunik. As VWFA deputy director Frunz Harutyunyan noted during the press conference on November 12, the study revealed about 160 autochthonous grape varieties that were considered lost for certain reasons, but were included in the ampelographic collection of Armenia or were previously unknown.
According to him, all the discovered varieties will be examined and registered in the National Collection Garden. After that, it is planned to identify their potential in terms of application. "We intend to use these varieties for micro-winemaking, and if the resulting wine arouses high interest on the part of the producers, we will increase the area of planting," he explained.
The deputy head of the Foundation noted that Armenian winemakers mainly use 15 grape varieties for wine production, including , , , etc. However, black varieties of grapes are the most popular for winemakers, and 2 of the identified new varieties are , he said, have dark flesh, which will serve as a serious addition to the main varieties, using which winemakers will be able to expand their production. "Today, the international wine community expects an expensive wine from Armenia, made exclusively from autochthonous grape varieties," he stressed.
F. Harutyunyan noted that research will continue in the future and the geography will expand. "We have high hopes for conducting research that is aimed at preserving biodiversity, identifying the potential of less common varieties that are more resistant, in particular, to phylloxera," the expert concluded.
According to the RA Statistics Committee, in January-September 2018, wine production in Armenia was 5.6 million liters, which is 4.6% less than a year ago. At the end of 2017, produced 8.8 million liters.
According to the RA Customs Service, in 2017, Armenia exported 2.8 million liters wines, with an annual growth of 50.5%, with an increase in the customs value of 81% to $ 10.8 million.