Our Vines: Vitis vinifera

At Château Aarav, every vine belongs to Vitis vinifera, the classic European grape species behind many of the world's celebrated wines.

But choosing a grape variety is never simply a matter of selecting a name from a list. For us, every variety needed to have a reason to be here—to have the potential to respond to our mountain environment and contribute something meaningful to the identity of the estate.

Our two-hectare vineyard in the Eastern Himalayan foothills of Pedong, Kalimpong, is planted with four carefully selected varieties: Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Cabernet Franc.

Each variety has its own block, its own character and its own place within our larger vision for Château Aarav.

## Pinot Noir — The Founder Block

The Founder Block is planted with Pinot Noir across approximately 0.70 hectares. It is the heart of the estate and a symbol of where the Château Aarav journey began.

Pinot Noir is a demanding variety, but its elegance, perfume and ability to reflect terroir make it an important part of our vision. We believe its character has the potential to reveal something of the mountain landscape in which it grows.

## Sauvignon Blanc — The Morning Mist Block

The Morning Mist Block covers approximately 0.45 hectares and is planted with Sauvignon Blanc.

The name comes from the cool mountain mornings and mist that are part of the landscape around Pedong. We selected Sauvignon Blanc for its potential to bring freshness, elegance and vibrant aromatics to the future wines of Château Aarav.

## Riesling — The Mountain Breeze Block

The Mountain Breeze Block is home to Riesling across approximately 0.40 hectares.

Cool mountain air and gradual ripening are central to the character we hope to explore with this variety. Riesling gives us the opportunity to pursue purity, minerality, freshness and the potential for graceful ageing.

“We did not choose these varieties because they are fashionable. We chose them because we believe they can express our place.”

## Cabernet Franc — The Legacy Block

The Legacy Block covers approximately 0.45 hectares and is planted with Cabernet Franc.

Its name reflects our long-term vision for Château Aarav. Cabernet Franc is associated with finesse, structure and longevity, qualities that align with our ambition to build an estate that can continue for generations.

## Four Varieties, One Terroir

Although these varieties have very different identities, they share the same mountain environment.

That is what makes the journey interesting for us. We are not planting four varieties simply to create a diverse collection. We want to understand how each responds to the same Eastern Himalayan landscape and what each can reveal about our terroir.

The vines are still young and currently establishing their roots. At this stage, we are observing rather than making conclusions. Each season gives us another opportunity to learn about the varieties, the blocks and the relationship between the two.

Our first harvest is expected around 2030. Until then, our focus remains on building healthy vines and understanding the land that supports them.

We did not choose these varieties because they are fashionable.

We chose them because we believe they have the potential to express something genuine about this place.

One day, when these vines are mature and the first wines are ready, we hope each bottle will carry a clear sense of where it came from.

Not Burgundy. Not Bordeaux. Not Germany.

Pedong.

The Eastern Himalayas.

Our home.