You Catch My Armen-ing?
TASTING NOTES: “Areni is the genetic and biological parent of Pinot Noir. However, due to the harsh, high elevation climate the grape is more susceptible to the hot sun and cold nights so it has thicker skin and therefore more power than your average Pinot Noir.”
Early-season red cherries, tart plum, and dry earth on the nose. Coastal raspberries with light baking spices on the tongue. Fresh acidity and red berries on the finish.
VARIETALS: 100% Areni
BARRELS: Mostly stainless steel and clay, 30% neutral oak.
PAIRS WITH: Braised meat, Bolognese with parmesan grated on top, lean cuts of steak or pork.
WINE AND ARMENIA: "Legends suggest that the first post-flood vineyard was planted on the slopes of Mount Ararat. A Bible verse from the book of Genesis (9:20) tells of Noah cultivating the ground and planting a vineyard. In 2011, a team of archaeologists uncovered evidence that the legends may be more than just a myth.
According to their findings, Armenia could be the birthplace of winemaking. Near the village of Areni, in the same cave where the world’s oldest pair of shoes was discovered, archaeologists unearthed a wine press for stomping grapes, vessels for fermentation and storage, drinking cups, and withered grape vines, skins, and seeds. ‘This is the earliest, most reliable evidence of wine production,’ said archaeologist Gregory Areshian of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). ‘For the first time, we have a complete archaeological picture of wine production dating back 6,100 years,’ he said.
Based on the evidence found, it appears that ancient Armenian winemakers pressed grapes with their feet, trampling the fruits in a specialized earthen vat and leaving the juices to ferment. This ancient Armenian wine was stored in clay jars in the cool, dry caves: the world’s first wine cellars. Archeologists suggest the ancient Armenian winery had a sophisticated winemaking process that resulted in a wine that could be compared to a contemporary red—and likely tasted similar to a Merlot."
