Nerkarat

Nerkarat is a red grape variety, also known as Nerkarata or Norakert, that was created in 1960 in Armenia by S. A. Pogosyan. It is an interspecific hybrid between Seyanets C 1262 (a cross of Vitis Amurensis Ruprecht and Csaba Gyöngye) and Karmrahyut, combining genes from both Vitis amurensis and Vitis vinifera. This variety is prized for its frost resistance, with the vine tolerating temperatures as low as -28°C, making it particularly suited for cold climates.

Nerkarat wines are known for their rich sweetness and are often used in the production of dessert wines. The grapes, which are high in sugar, contribute to the creation of wines that are both aromatic and intense, with a distinctive fruity profile that balances sweetness with a touch of acidity.

Nerkarat is primarily cultivated in small quantities in Armenia, particularly in the north-eastern province of Tavush. Its ability to withstand extreme cold makes it well-suited to the region’s climate, though it is not widely planted outside of Armenia.

Nerkarat’s parents, Seyanets C 1262 and Karmrahyut, also produced the new variety Charentsi.

This demonstrates the variety's important role in Armenia's ongoing efforts to create hardy, frost-resistant grape cultivars.