94 Points, The Tasting Panel Gold Medal, Beverage Testing Institute
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.
Armenia has more than 60 identified indigenous Vitis Vinifera grape varietals and Areni is one of them. The Franzese Armenian Wine Collection highlights the potential of this once overlooked Eurasian country.
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.
The Franzese Areni comes from the Armenian region of Vayots Dzor. It is grown at between 4300 and 6000 feet above sea level on black volcanic soils near the base of Mt. Ararat. The grapes are hand harvested and vinified using both modern and traditional techniques including the use of clay vessels, called Karases, as well as stainless steel temperature controlled tanks. 30% of the wine is aged in 2nd year and neutral barrels, imparting slight oak notes and tannins.
Taste
Coastal raspberries
Light baking spices
Smell
Early season red cherries
Tart plum
Dry earth
Finish
Fresh Acidity
Red Berries
Pairs well with braised meat, Bolognese with parmesan grated on top, lean cuts of steak or pork
Specs
Varietal Blend: 100% Areni
Region: Vayots Dzor, Armenia
Alcohol: 12%
What’s Included
4-bottles:
4x 2023 Franzese Areni Armenian Pinot Noir, Vayots Dzor Case:
12x 2023 Franzese Areni Armenian Pinot Noir, Vayots Dzor
Michael Franzese was once one of the most well-known and successful mob bosses in America, and the only “made-man” ever known to publicly walk away from organized crime and live to tell the tale. Today, Michael Franzese is inspiring others with his story of redemption and searching the world over for the finest, most unique and distinctive wines to bring to members of his Franzese Family.
Franzese wines originate from Armenia, the oldest wine-producing region in the world. Armenian wine recipes have been preserved for centuries and passed down for generations. Today’s winemakers are combining modern winemaking technology with old-world varietals and ancient winemaking techniques to produce wines that are anything but ordinary.
Available States
AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
2023 Franzese Wines Armenian Pinot Noir - $50 = 23.80%
I eagerly greet the UPS man as he is stepping off the truck. The package contains a new casemates glass and an Armenian wine! I have never had this varietal, but love pinot noirs. I asked some friends to help taste, and only then did I learn of the guy whose name is on the wine. My buddy instantly exclaimed that he has watched his youtube videos, and more than one person has asked about the wine at the bar.
I guess my ignorance makes for a good rat. But not rat like that, Michael. Omerta! Seriously though, not knowing who he is, I thought he was an actor in mob movies per the bottle’s “an offer you can’t refuse.” Upon reading up on him, it sounds like he doesn’t condone that lifestyle or whatever but is happy to make a buck using the trope? I don’t really understand, nor does it matter, because it is about the juice. Which is promised to be “bold enough to carry” his name. There is no vintage on the bottle so I can only assume it is a blend of years; I am under the impression this is 100% Areni for those purists in the century club.
My better half and her Macedonian friend opened the bottle on a beautiful fall day. Popping the cork immediately released a fresh bright red berry aroma. We used the De Long tasting sheets, and our notes were fairly consistent.
We were in complete agreement that this is a watery / ruby / clear wine. Seriously clear. I am hard pressed to remember a red that was this translucent. It is fairly meh on the visual appearance, which is in contrast to the very pronounced red fruit aromas.
Despite the appearance, the other two rated the aroma intensity powerful and I said aromatic. It is very youthful. I detected brown sugar, overripe strawberry, alcohol (it is boozy despite 12%), slight camphor. The European palate said very boozy smell and fresh berries, maybe some woody herbs. Annie said plum, raisin, cinnamon spice and alcohol.
The wine tasted off dry, despite likely having very little actual sugar. I am sure that was the pronounced berry aroma. It is light bodied with a crisp acidity. Very little tannins. The balance was fair to unbalanced with the alcohol. And the finish? Well, Annie said it was “like a 16 year old” and I don’t think she meant like Scotch.
Elena’s conclusion was “strong smell of alcohol; underwhelming taste.” Annie said “let down; regular table wine.” My conclusion was a solid meh.
We paired it with some cured meats and cheeses, and it was definitely better. It held up to some spicy pepperoni, and worked surprisingly well with sharp cheddar. This wine needs food.
My parents tried it the next day after being left at room temp uncorked. They got some black pepper and berry, but overall said it was immature and needs time. Kind of bland. Might be fun to buy and cellar for a few years to see.
I had poured a small glass and let sit open for 24 hours. The fruits had all but disappeared. I now detect some must, earl grey tea, earth. For some reason, my mind went to a Tempranillo on aroma, but definitely not taste. The taste is still a little thin and weak, despite the aromatic vigor.
Thank you so much to Alice and WD for the opportunity to rat. I always try “sell” the wine by giving it my best nose and palate effort. Unfortunately for me, this was a little too meh to recommend as a “$30 pinot.” However, for the case price per bottle, the ability to cross off a unique varietal and place of origin from the bucket list on an okay table wine may be just what you are looking for.
@murftastic@Boatman72 Ruby is a Bichon. She is Elena’s, but since she vacations like the true European she is, we end up having Ruby at our house roughly an entire month each year. She turns 6 next Wednesday. And yes, she succeeded in getting both snacks.
Super interesting - first wine my wife and I tried from Armenia. The wine had a very light appearance As pointed out above.
Day one, smells of cranberry, cherry, maybe some licorice or baking spices. Was tart, not tannic at all. Very light wine, cranberry/rasberry was the most pronounced. I’d say on the lighter side of Pinot towards almost a Gamay. Maybe a little cinnamon
Day two the wine was fruitier the second day, less tart cranberry more cherry leaning. I thought it was better on day 2.
Third day is today - still drinkable but on a downswing, not as good as day 2. I think $13 a bottle is an okay deal at that case price. Also great conversations can be had at a party with regard to the backstory of Michael Franzese and also if people havnt had Armenian wine before.
@kray05 Nice review, I was interested in this one. Especially after reading the tasting notes that this grape having more power than your average Pinot. Your review seems to indicate a lighter wine.
2023 Franzese Areni Armenian Pinot Noir
94 Points, The Tasting Panel
Gold Medal, Beverage Testing Institute
Tasting Notes
Taste
Smell
Finish
Specs
What’s Included
4-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$359.88/Case for 12x 2023 Franzese Areni Armenian Pinot Noir, Vayots Dzor at Franzese Wine
About The Winery
Available States
AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Nov 4 - Tuesday, Nov 5
2023 Franzese Wines Armenian Pinot Noir
4 bottles for $69.99 $17.50/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $159.99 $13.33/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
Oh this is interesting!
Saw the film Mount Ararat back in early 2000s I think
I’ll admit it, Armenian Pinot noir definitely piqued my interest.
He’s got a decent YouTube channel, I had actually wondered if this would show up here someday.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
2023 Franzese Wines Armenian Pinot Noir - $50 = 23.80%
For price comparison https://www.totalwine.com/wine/red-wine/pinot-noir/michael-franzese-areni/p/2126250536
(not sure if same bottle)
@diman At Total Wine in Cali it’s $19.99 plus CRV
@diman @MitchBenson
Says “Not Available” here.
Michael Franzese Areni
I eagerly greet the UPS man as he is stepping off the truck. The package contains a new casemates glass and an Armenian wine! I have never had this varietal, but love pinot noirs. I asked some friends to help taste, and only then did I learn of the guy whose name is on the wine. My buddy instantly exclaimed that he has watched his youtube videos, and more than one person has asked about the wine at the bar.
I guess my ignorance makes for a good rat. But not rat like that, Michael. Omerta! Seriously though, not knowing who he is, I thought he was an actor in mob movies per the bottle’s “an offer you can’t refuse.” Upon reading up on him, it sounds like he doesn’t condone that lifestyle or whatever but is happy to make a buck using the trope? I don’t really understand, nor does it matter, because it is about the juice. Which is promised to be “bold enough to carry” his name. There is no vintage on the bottle so I can only assume it is a blend of years; I am under the impression this is 100% Areni for those purists in the century club.
My better half and her Macedonian friend opened the bottle on a beautiful fall day. Popping the cork immediately released a fresh bright red berry aroma. We used the De Long tasting sheets, and our notes were fairly consistent.
We were in complete agreement that this is a watery / ruby / clear wine. Seriously clear. I am hard pressed to remember a red that was this translucent. It is fairly meh on the visual appearance, which is in contrast to the very pronounced red fruit aromas.
Despite the appearance, the other two rated the aroma intensity powerful and I said aromatic. It is very youthful. I detected brown sugar, overripe strawberry, alcohol (it is boozy despite 12%), slight camphor. The European palate said very boozy smell and fresh berries, maybe some woody herbs. Annie said plum, raisin, cinnamon spice and alcohol.
The wine tasted off dry, despite likely having very little actual sugar. I am sure that was the pronounced berry aroma. It is light bodied with a crisp acidity. Very little tannins. The balance was fair to unbalanced with the alcohol. And the finish? Well, Annie said it was “like a 16 year old” and I don’t think she meant like Scotch.
Elena’s conclusion was “strong smell of alcohol; underwhelming taste.” Annie said “let down; regular table wine.” My conclusion was a solid meh.
We paired it with some cured meats and cheeses, and it was definitely better. It held up to some spicy pepperoni, and worked surprisingly well with sharp cheddar. This wine needs food.
My parents tried it the next day after being left at room temp uncorked. They got some black pepper and berry, but overall said it was immature and needs time. Kind of bland. Might be fun to buy and cellar for a few years to see.
I had poured a small glass and let sit open for 24 hours. The fruits had all but disappeared. I now detect some must, earl grey tea, earth. For some reason, my mind went to a Tempranillo on aroma, but definitely not taste. The taste is still a little thin and weak, despite the aromatic vigor.
Thank you so much to Alice and WD for the opportunity to rat. I always try “sell” the wine by giving it my best nose and palate effort. Unfortunately for me, this was a little too meh to recommend as a “$30 pinot.” However, for the case price per bottle, the ability to cross off a unique varietal and place of origin from the bucket list on an okay table wine may be just what you are looking for.
@KNmeh7 Wow! Thanks!
@KNmeh7 Franzese sending some muscle your way for this review! It was great, I guess a pass from me.
@KNmeh7 what a cute doggie! Is that a bichon?
@KNmeh7 It looks like your little dog was more interested in the pepperoni & cheese!!
@murftastic @Boatman72 Ruby is a Bichon. She is Elena’s, but since she vacations like the true European she is, we end up having Ruby at our house roughly an entire month each year. She turns 6 next Wednesday. And yes, she succeeded in getting both snacks.
Any body in Dallas/Ft. Worth area interested in a bottle?
Fill in your Century (or Double Century) Club list!
@MarkDaSpark No love in Tx, shoulda stayed here
@rjquillin No love there either!
@MarkDaSpark @rjquillin
Sorry all, holiday threw me off.
Super interesting - first wine my wife and I tried from Armenia. The wine had a very light appearance As pointed out above.
Day one, smells of cranberry, cherry, maybe some licorice or baking spices. Was tart, not tannic at all. Very light wine, cranberry/rasberry was the most pronounced. I’d say on the lighter side of Pinot towards almost a Gamay. Maybe a little cinnamon
Day two the wine was fruitier the second day, less tart cranberry more cherry leaning. I thought it was better on day 2.
Third day is today - still drinkable but on a downswing, not as good as day 2. I think $13 a bottle is an okay deal at that case price. Also great conversations can be had at a party with regard to the backstory of Michael Franzese and also if people havnt had Armenian wine before.
@kray05 Nice review, I was interested in this one. Especially after reading the tasting notes that this grape having more power than your average Pinot. Your review seems to indicate a lighter wine.