Wine52 Case Review: Armenia

Keeping up the spirit of exploration, the latest Wine52 case goes to the very origins of wine production in Armenia.

Armenia is the home of the oldest known dedicated winery in the world, dating back to 4100 BC! Between 2007-2010, excavations uncovered wine jars, grape presses and grape seeds in a cave complex indicating quite how sophisticated production was even back then. Some of the seeds found were the exact same species as one of the grapes you’ll try in this case – Areni Noir.

Despite boasting thousands of years of wine knowledge, Armenia remains a bit of a secret and has only started to emerge again as a serious wine producer in more recent years. There are thousands of indigenous grapes to try, volcanic soils, high altitude vineyards and old vines, which are hallmarks of a great winemaking country.

This case will give you a taste of that action and introduce you to a country that deserves recognition, not just on account of its history but its modern winemakers too. And, when the wines are free, what do you have to lose?

The Wine Tasting

Semiramis Areni/Malbec

We all know Malbec well, but Areni is a different kettle of fish. A staple grape of Armenian wine for over 6000 years, Areni is a truly unique variety. It is a versatile grape, able to make great full-bodied wines with bright tannin and long ageing potential, as well as light reds and pale Rose. Here, the aim has been to combine its finesse with the bolder nature of Malbec.

The nose greets you with an initial savoury character, bringing cedar and earthy notes to the fore, which is then well balanced with light red berries such as raspberry and strawberry, indicating the freshness and complexity behind the wine.

On the palate, the effect is in reverse with light and ripe red fruits taking the foreground until Malbec weighs in giving a fuller experience with dark fruits and soft tannins.

Nardy Ararat Valley Kangun

Kangun is one of Armenia’s favourite white grape varieties, making excellent dry and sweet dessert wines. It is also often used for sparkling wines and makes a great blending partner, bringing its structured yet crisp nature for balance and floral, fruity flavours.

The Nardy is a great example of it. On the nose you’ll find stone fruits, quince, white flowers, blossom, tropical mango and a pleasant spicy note.

Then, with your first sip you’ll immediately get a sense of the full-bodied yet fragrant nature of the grape. The leading fruit note is tropical and apricoty, with a floral undertone giving additional complexity. The finish culminates with a nice spiced note that helps lengthen it and makes it a good partner for Asian dishes.

Eramak Kangun/Viognier

This wine shows what Kangun can do in a blend, and Viognier is a natural choice to go alongside it. The nose is punctuated with familiar Viognier peach and apricot aromas, exotic banana and pineapple, and Kangun’s floral, spicy appeal.

The body, as you might imagine, is nice and full with a well-rounded and creamy nature. The flavours are equally punchy. Tropical fruits, stone fruits, honeysuckle, white flowers and citrus zest. Kangun felt like it took a bit more of a backseat to the Viognier, but its high acidity and floral notes brought a great freshness, making the wine feel light and refreshing despite the body.

The Verdict

This Wine52 case seems like a no brainer to claim for free. Not only is it an approachable exploration into lesser-known wines, but it is a journey to the origins of winemaking in human culture. See this as your opportunity to try some very good wines and learn a bit more about the drink you love so much. Their Glug magazine that comes in your case will fill you in on the wineries behind the wines and the regions they are grown in too.

After all, whilst wine should be about enjoyment, it should also be about shared culture and the human experience.