The Story Behind Zaren
Zaren is a heartfelt tribute to a pioneering farmer whose dedication to Malta’s vineyards left an indelible mark on local viticulture. Known for his tireless work and deep connection to the land, Zaren cultivated vineyards with care and passion. When he passed away, the vineyards he nurtured faded, a poignant reminder of the fragility of tradition.
This wine is crafted in his honor, using a unique method of fermenting white grapes with their skins at low temperatures, allowing minimal juice to create a rich, textured wine that speaks to both heritage and innovation.
Through this wine, the winemaker hopes to inspire others to preserve and continue Zaren’s legacy. By celebrating his story and the traditions of Maltese viticulture, this wine serves as an invitation to all who value the land to carry forward the enduring spirit of Zaren.
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Zaren
Delve into Zaren’s Mystery and Soulful Layers
Zaren is a wine of profound complexity, crafted through meticulous skin fermentation at cool temperatures, with a focus on a high skins-to-liquid ratio to achieve exceptional texture and depth. Aged in French oak barrels previously used for Zareen, its creamy palate and voluminous richness are shaped by malolactic fermentation and extended lees contact. The exact grape varietal blend remains a closely guarded secret, adding an air of mystery to its allure.
Designed as a true meditation wine, Zaren invites quiet reflection and appreciation, offering a profound and contemplative experience in every sip.
Vintage
Zaren 2020
BLEND
Undisclosed Blend.
Limestone soils.
METHOD AND PRODUCTION
Bottles Produced: 35 (150cl)
Predominantly skin fermented at 14°C, Aged in 1 54L Glass Demijohn. Without oak intervention.
Alcohol: 13% ABV
APPEARANCE, NOSE & PALATE
Appearance: Pale lemon-gold, showing subtle reflections indicating gentle evolution and complexity from glass aging.
Nose: Medium-plus intensity with vibrant, expressive aromas. Primary notes include ripe citrus fruits—lemon peel, grapefruit—and orchard fruits such as yellow apple and pear, intertwined seamlessly with distinct floral notes of orange blossom, elderflower, jasmine, and rose petals. Garrigue notes reminiscent of wild herbs, thyme, sage, and subtle fennel highlight the local terroir. Secondary aromas emerge subtly from extended skin fermentation, revealing nuances of dried herbs, white tea, and a faint almond nuttiness. Tertiary development from glass aging further enhances the complexity, introducing gentle hints of honeycomb, preserved lemon, and dried apricot.
Palate: Dry with medium acidity and medium body, featuring medium-plus intensity. The textured mouthfeel highlights skin-contact fermentation, enhancing structural depth. Flavors on the palate closely mirror the nose, presenting layered citrus and floral notes accompanied by herbal garrigue elements, leading to a persistent finish of delicate dried fruits, honeyed nuances, and a gentle herbal bitterness, showcasing authentic local character.
Last tasted on: 28/12/2024
WINEMAKER’S NOTES
Zareen 2020 is the winemaker’s specialty, embodying an extremely unique style. It is crafted as a “meditation wine,” meant to be savored slowly, either as a standalone experience or as an accompaniment to select dishes.
Serving Temperature: 14°C
Optimal Drinking Period: Best enjoyed between 2023 and 2042.
FOOD PAIRING
Zareen 2018 is best enjoyed on its own as a contemplative wine, perfect for savoring its depth and uniqueness. It also pairs beautifully with artisanal cheeses, including aged Comté, Gruyère, or a creamy blue cheese like Gorgonzola. For a gourmet touch, try it alongside walnut-crusted goat cheese or a fig and honey cheese platter, where its dried fruit and nutty notes harmonize with the flavors. A perfect wine for slow evenings and thoughtful pairings.
Vintage
Zaren 18
BLEND
Undisclosed Blend.
METHOD AND PRODUCTION
Bottles Produced: 247 (75cl)
Predominantly skin fermented at 14°C, aged in used French oak barrels for approximately 18 months to enhance its unique character and complexity.
Alcohol: 13% ABV
APPEARANCE, NOSE & PALATE
Appearance: Pale golden with signs of development, reflecting its evolved character.
Nose: Medium-plus intensity with layered aromas. Primary notes of tropical fruits—banana, melon, pineapple, peach, apricot, and lemon—dominate. Secondary aromas include oak influences of vanilla, toast, cumin, smoke wood, and buttery notes from full malolactic fermentation (MLF), enriched by yeast from bâtonnage. Tertiary characteristics reveal mushroom, honey, and toast, with oxidation adding nuances of marzipan, hazelnut, caramel, dried apricots, candied peel, ginger, and figs.
Palate: Dry with medium acidity and a medium body. Medium-plus intensity delivers a textured profile with flavors consistent with the nose, finishing with a lingering note of dried fruits.
Last tasted on: 28/12/2024
WINEMAKER’S NOTES
Zareen 2018 is the winemaker’s specialty, embodying an extremely unique style. It is crafted as a “meditation wine,” meant to be savored slowly, either as a standalone experience or as an accompaniment to select dishes.
Serving Temperature: 16°C
Optimal Drinking Period: Best enjoyed between 2020 and 2035,
FOOD PAIRING
Zareen 2018 is best enjoyed on its own as a contemplative wine, perfect for savoring its depth and uniqueness. It also pairs beautifully with artisanal cheeses, including aged Comté, Gruyère, or a creamy blue cheese like Gorgonzola. For a gourmet touch, try it alongside walnut-crusted goat cheese or a fig and honey cheese platter, where its dried fruit and nutty notes harmonize with the flavors. A perfect wine for slow evenings and thoughtful pairings.
Vintage
Zaren Non Vintage - Coming soon
Crafted through extensive skin contact fermentation and gentle aging in carefully selected, previously-used oak barrels (second and third-year), this wine promises remarkable complexity and texture.
An intriguing fusion awaits—this Non-Vintage Zaren uniquely combines three distinct vintages, diverse grape varieties, and expressions of terroir.
Crafted through extensive skin contact fermentation and gentle aging in carefully selected, previously-used oak barrels (second and third-year), this wine promises remarkable complexity and texture.
Expect an authentic expression of place, seamlessly woven with layers of aromatic depth and structural elegance. Stay tuned for this exceptional release, designed to captivate and surprise.
Estimated Bottling 2025
Vintage
The Future of Zaren - An experimental Journey
Zaren is more than wine; it's an ongoing experiment, deeply rooted in the winemaker's garage days.
Born from a passion for creativity, sustainability, and profound respect for the terroir, Zaren pushes traditional boundaries to explore new frontiers in winemaking.
Each future vintage aims to deliver unique wines crafted for thoughtful, meditative enjoyment.
wines that provoke curiosity, reflection, and appreciation of the harmony between nature and human innovation.
Stay connected as we continue to shape the evolution of this visionary wine.
