Voskeat is a traditional and very long-established grape variety in Armenia. Its origin is not known, but it is certain that it comes from the west of Armenia, specifically from the Ashtarak region. The grape variety was originally called Khardji, sometimes spelled without an "r", and was later named after the town of Voskehat. The Voskeat sprouts early to medium and, after a longer ripening period, ripens medium to late. It forms compact grapes with thin-skinned berries that can achieve an extremely high sugar gradation. The thin skin also makes the Voskeat very susceptible to putrefactive diseases such as black rot or sour rot. It is also susceptible to both powdery mildew and downy mildew. Grape moths also like to haunt this variety. The Voskeat produces predictably good yields. In Armenia, fortified wines are made from the Voskeat because of its high sugar content, for example along the lines of Madeira. However, few producers also produce dry or semi-dry wines from this variety. Outside Armenia, Voskeat is still native to Azerbaijan, where fortified wines in the style of Sherry or Madeira are also made from it.
This grape variety is also known by the name of:
Voskeate, Voskehat
