Attractions in Armeniato go to Armenia - September. The grape harvest begins, a plant that, along with pomegranate and apricot, is considered sacred here. Grapes have been cultivated in Armenia since time immemorial. According to the Bible, during the flood, Noah moored the ark to Mount Ararat. Going down to the valley, he planted grapes, made wine and got drunk drunk. The most popular range of Armenian cognacs is called "ArArAt". The same age as Rome The first point of my program was the archaeological museum at the foot of the Arin Berd hill. At the top of the hill are the remains of the ancient fortress of Eribuni, built around 782 BC - at the same time that Rome appeared. It is believed that the name Yerevan originated precisely from this fortress. On the ruins of the walls, you can still see miraculously preserved paintings - images of the Urartian kings. From the top of the hill you can see Ararat and all of Yerevan. This is a very peculiar oriental city, built of tuff - a special volcanic rock of a pink hue. The evening was held at the Phenicia restaurant, which is located next to the Yerevan landmark Cascade - a construction of fountains and stairs leading up the mountain. Fenicia is one of the most prestigious restaurants in the capital. Politicians and stars go here. And the mountains are getting higher The next day we went to the Noravank monastery complex, built in the 13th century on the ledge of a narrow winding gorge. This and other Armenian churches at one time impressed Vladimir Vysotsky, who traveled around Armenia with Marina Vlady. The great actor was a great admirer of the Armenian brandy "Dvin". Winston Churchill preferred this cognac. On the way to the city of Jermuk (a resort-sanatorium located at an altitude of 2,100 meters above sea level), we stopped for lunch in a gorge, where a small cozy restaurant with simple food settled down right in the grotto. Simple dishes: matsun (a type of sour milk), dzor cheese, fresh lavash, and, of course, barbecue. Wherever you find yourself in Armenia, you will always be well fed.
Returning to Yerevan from Jermuk, we stopped inKhor-Virap monastery, built on the place of imprisonment of Gregory the Illuminator, who baptized Armenia at the beginning of the 4th century. Around the monastery there are endless vineyards of the Ararat valley. Armenian cognac is subsequently obtained from the local grapes. This is preceded by a long process: squeezing the juice, distillation and aging in oak barrels. Cognac should be maintained for more than three years. We had a chance to be at the tab of a barrel of thirty-year old ArArAt cognac in a special vault, “the avenue of Charles Aznavour”. Having laid down “our own” barrel, we agreed to meet again in Yerevan in about thirty years and taste the resulting “ArArAt.” Stir but do not stir. Armenian brandy is served for dessert with fruit and sweets. It is usually drunk pure, but it is great for making cocktails. Here are some recipes. Ararat "Side Car"
- Brandy "Ani" range of "ArArAt" - 30 g
- Orange liqueur - 20 g
- Lemon juice.
Served in a cocktail glass. Decorated with lemon slices. Ararat "After Love ..."
- Cognac "Ani" from the gamut "ArArAt" - 40 g
- Soho liquor (litchi) - 5 g
- 7UP or Sprite - 150 g
- Lime - 2 slices squeeze into a glass. Add ice.
Served in a tall glass. Cocktail specially designed for the arrival of singer Cher in Moscow. Ararat "5 senses"
- Cognac "Ani" from the gamut "ArArAt" - 40 g
- Blackcurrant liqueur - 30 g
- Cream (11%) - 30 g
- Grenadine - 5 g
Prepared in a shaker with ice. Served in cognac glass. Sprinkle with cinnamon and decorate the edges of the glass with chocolate chips.
5 places in Yerevan that must be seen
MatenadaranMuseum of ancient manuscripts of Armenia. Here are kept some of the most ancient books on earth. When you see “Lazarevskoe Gospel” (887), “Echmiadzin Gospel” (989 year) or “Gospel of Mughni” (11th century), it hurts your heart.House-museum of director Sergey Paradzhanov Extravagant genius practically did not live in this house, but here A huge collection of his works is presented - amazing handicrafts, each of which can be viewed for hours. Jalko Club “Malkhas” The club was opened by a popular man in Armenia Levon Malkhasyan - a pianist and a passionate jazz fan. Here jazz musicians, including world stars, perform, and after midnight Malkhas often sits at the piano himself. Cafe "Float" An important resting place, which is located on the shore of the pond. In the evening, live music is played on the veranda. It is not customary to dance here, but for tourists from Russia (well-dressed with “ArArAt” cognac) they always make an exception. Restaurant “Dolmama” A cozy place with many small rooms, a very beautiful interior and patio. President Vladimir Putin always looks here during his visits to Armenia. As the name of the restaurant suggests, its signature dish is dolma, traditional Armenian cabbage rolls wrapped in grape leaves.
