Meet Areni, the Armenian Red Wine Grape

Wine from Armenia? Meet Areni, the Armenian Red Wine Grape

We don’t typically think of Armenia as a wine-producing country, but the nation is steeped in viticultural history. In fact, there’s evidence that Armenian wine has roots as deep as 6,000 years ago.

Armenia is home to red, white, rosé and orange wines, but the country’s flagship fruit is Areni, also referred to as Areni Noir, a native grape that produces beautiful red wines. I dare you to buy a bottle––you’ll soon realize how luscious, drinkable and food-friendly Areni is.

The Areni grape grows in various parts of Armenia. Much of the fruit is cultivated in Vayots Dzor in the Ararat Valley, especially around the eponymous village, Areni. Thick-skinned and hardy, the signature grape thrives in high-altitude settings and survives Armenia’s chilly winters.

What does Areni taste like?

Because Armenia is Georgia’s neighbor, I expected Areni to remind me of Georgian wines, but it didn’t. Areni has its own personality, even though it’s produced in proximity to another ancient winemaking country.

Areni emits red fruit, floral and herbaceous notes, accompanied by a vibrant acidity, velvety tannins, and a minerality that can be attributed to the wine region’s volcanic soil.

Believe it or not, Areni reminded me of a Sangiovese, one of my favorite Italian varietals. Some say Areni can be compared to Pinot Noir, and I can understand, although not a light-bodied Pinot. Areni has a little more oomph than some Central Coast Pinot Noirs, which can lean on the lighter side. Areni is usually more medium-bodied; it’s extremely versatile and typically has excellent structure. According to Vinerra, Areni’s traditional pairings include grilled meats, grape leaves, and beef stew. But I believe Areni can be compatible with a variety of meat and poultry dishes as well as pasta.

I tasted Areni from Karas Wines, whose vineyards sit at the base of Mount Ararat in Armenia’s Armavir region. Karas translates to “amphora” in Armenian. The word is a nod to the ancient clay vessels used in Armenian winemaking. Karas can be credited with revitalizing Armenia as a destination for wine, putting the Ararat Valley back on the winemaking map in this area of the world.

What does Areni cost?

Areni is typically a well-priced wine, with most bottles costing less than $40. Karas produces several Areni wines, from an affordable  option to a more complex single vineyard wine with a higher price.

Karas Areni

This Areni is an excellent everyday wine. It’s fruit-forward with a subtle spice and can be enjoyed with most foods. And it’s truly a bargain––the suggested retail is just $13.

Karas Reserve Areni Sireni 

This oak-aged wine has great structure and an earthy complexity. James Suckling scored the 2022 vintage 93 points.The suggested retail is $18.50, but I found it sold online for $23.

The Single Vineyard Areni

Offering the most complexity of the three wines I tasted, this Areni is a limited production wine.  James Suckling scored the 2021 vintage 92 points. The suggested retail is $25.99, but I found it priced in the $30 range online. That’s still a bargain for a high-quality, single vineyard red wine.

Where to Buy Areni

Fat & Happy Beverages in Los Angeles specializes in Armenian and Eastern European wines. The website has a page dedicated to Karas Wines and you can purchase Areni there.

Other Areni producers to seek out include Franzese, Van Ardi, and Yacoubian-Hobbs (a partnership with internationally acclaimed winemaker Paul Hobbs).

Have you ever tasted Areni? I recommend Areni for Sangiovese, Pinot Noir, and even Gamay/Beaujolais drinkers.

Also, Kosher wine. And an incredible white wine from Roero, Italy, along with foods to pair it with.

I occasionally receive wines for editorial coverage. All reviews or mentions are of my own accord and not influenced by others.