Discover the secret of Pinot: this thousand-year-old grape with an irresistible taste will surprise you
The world of wine never ceases to amaze us, and the history of the Areni grape variety is living proof of this. Originally from Armenia, this thousand-year-old grape attracts wine lovers from all over the world with its unique character and its deep connection to the history of viticulture. We invite you to discover this oenological treasure that could well seduce Pinot Noir lovers.
Areni: a journey through time
Areni is considered one of the oldest Vitis vinifera grape varieties in the world. Seeds dating back over 6,000 years have been discovered in an Armenian cave, testifying to its ancestral use in wine production. This exciting archaeological discovery takes us back to the very origins of viticulture.
Armenia, along with Georgia and Turkey, is considered the birthplace of all Vitis vinifera grape varieties. This unique terroir has preserved Areni throughout the centuries, despite the region’s many historical upheavals. The resilience of this grape variety in the face of Muslim domination, the Armenian Genocide, and the Soviet era is remarkable .
As wine-lovers, we can only be amazed by the historical richness contained in each bunch of Areni. This grape variety offers us a real journey through time, connecting us directly to the origins of world viticulture.
The aromatic profile of Areni: a new world Pinot Noir?
For many tasters, Areni evokes the flavors of Pinot Noir from California’s Russian River Valley, especially in cooler vintages. Its generous fruit profile and silky tannins are indeed reminiscent of New World wines . On the other hand, it would be reductive to limit Areni to this comparison alone.
Here is a comparative table of the aromatic characteristics of Areni and Pinot Noir:
| Features | Areni | Pinot Noir |
|---|---|---|
| Fruity profile | Cherry, red fruits | Raspberry, cherry, strawberry |
| Tannins | Silky, supple | Fine, delicate |
| Acidity | Balanced | Lively to moderate |
| Side Notes | Spices, minerality | Undergrowth, mushroom |
During our tastings, we noted that some Areni, especially those produced by winemakers like Zorik Gharibian, offer a surprising aromatic complexity. Mineral and saline notes often complement the fruit, bringing an additional dimension to the wine .
It is essential to note that Areni can also produce wines that are stylistically closer to the Pinot Noirs of Burgundy , as confirmed by Zorah's Yeraz cuvée, made from century-old vines.
The renaissance of areni: between tradition and modernity
Areni’s recent history is marked by a remarkable renaissance. After decades of neglect during the Soviet era, when Armenia was primarily destined for brandy production, passionate winemakers are rediscovering the potential of this ancestral grape variety.
Among the pioneers of this renaissance, we can cite:
- Zorik Gharibian, who planted his first Areni vines 25 years ago
- Paul Hobbs, a famous Californian winemaker, who now produces an Areni in Armenia
- Viken Yacoubian, who collaborates with Paul Hobbs to create exceptional wines
These winemakers combine modern techniques and respect for traditions to reveal the full potential of Areni. The use of amphorae for aging, for example, allows them to reconnect with ancestral methods while preserving the purity of the fruit .
As passionate sommeliers, we are particularly excited to see Areni take its place among the great international grape varieties. Its ability to produce wines for laying down, as validated by certain vintages aged in oak barrels , suggests a bright future for this age-old grape variety.
Tasting Areni: a unique sensory journey
For those interested in discovering Areni, here are some recommendations based on our tastings:
- Yacoubian-Hobbs Sarpina: A rich and velvety wine, perfect for lovers of Californian Pinot Noir
- Zorah Areni Noir: closer to the Willamette Valley style, with a nice complexity
- Voskeni 130 Reserve: a dense and spicy expression of Areni
- Old Bridge Reserve: an elegant and gastronomic wine
Each bottle of Areni is an invitation to travel, transporting us from the Armenian highlands to the very origins of viticulture. Its ability to combine generous fruit, freshness and complexity makes it a truly unique grape variety , capable of seducing both lovers of New World wines and those passionate about more classic wines.
Areni is much more than just a grape variety: it is a living heritage, a witness to the thousand-year-old history of wine. By tasting it, we do not just savour a wine, we participate in the preservation of an inestimable cultural heritage. It is this dimension that makes each glass of Areni so special for us, lovers of wine and its history.
