Red Grapes
Areni AKA Areni Noir
Areni, also known as Areni Noir, is a historic red grape variety indigenous to Armenia, particularly thriving in the Vayots Dzor region. Key characteristics include:
Historical Significance: Areni is an ancient grape variety native to Armenia, with evidence of winemaking in the region dating back over 6,000 years.
Viticultural Traits:
Adaptability: Thrives in high-altitude vineyards ranging from 1,700 to 5,000 feet, enduring significant temperature variations between day and night.
Disease Resistance: Possesses thick skins that provide resilience against diseases and harsh climatic conditions.
Wine Profile:
Body: Typically produces medium-bodied wines.
Tannins and Acidity: Exhibits medium tannins and medium to high acidity, contributing to a balanced structure.
Aromas and Flavors: Features notes of red and black fruits, such as cherries, raspberries, mulberries, and blackberries, with hints of cassis and spices. Aging in oak can introduce smoky nuances and a silky texture.
Comparative Analysis: Often likened to a fusion of Pinot Noir and Sangiovese due to its flavor profile and structure.
Cultural Importance: Areni is integral to Armenia's winemaking heritage, with the village of Areni being a notable center for viticulture.
Modern Winemaking: Contemporary Armenian winemakers are investing in new equipment and education to enhance quality, while also preserving traditional methods, such as fermenting in clay vessels known as karasi.
Areni's unique characteristics and deep-rooted history make it a significant grape variety in the global wine landscape.
Haghtanank
Haghtanak, meaning "victory" in Armenian, is a red grape variety developed in Armenia in 1977. Key characteristics include:
Origin and Development:
Created in 1977 by P. K. Ayvazyan at the viticultural research center in Merdzavan, Armenia.
A hybrid of Sorok Let Oktyabrya (itself a cross of Kopchak and Alicante Henri Bouschet) and Saperavi.
Viticultural Traits:
Late-ripening variety, reaching technical ripeness in approximately 152 days with a sum of active temperatures between 3000–3400 °C.
Yields range from 25 to 30 tons per hectare.
Relatively resistant to fungal diseases.
Adaptable to various soil structures and relief types; does not require winter covering.
Grape and Cluster Characteristics:
Medium-sized, cylindrical bunches with medium density.
Medium, round berries with medium-thick skin.
Pulp and juice exhibit an intense red color.
Wine Profile:
Produces wines with deep, intense color and rich tannins.
Aromas of dark berries, such as blackberries and plums, complemented by peppery notes.
Ages well in oak, developing flavors of coffee, chocolate, and cocoa, leading to a rounded and noble flavor profile.
Suitable for various wine styles, including dry, off-dry, sweet, fortified, and even sparkling wines.
Comparative Analysis:
Shares similarities with Cabernet Sauvignon, offering deep color, excellent structure, and tannins.
Cultural Significance:
The name "Haghtanak" translates to "victory" in Armenian, reflecting its esteemed status.
Modern Winemaking:
Utilized in both varietal wines and blends, contributing to the diversity of Armenian wine offerings.
Employed in the production of high-quality red table wines across different styles.
Haghtanak's robust characteristics and versatility make it a valuable component of Armenia's viticultural heritage.
Tigrani
Tigrani is a red grape variety from Armenia, notable for its unique characteristics and contributions to Armenian winemaking. Key aspects include:
Origin and Development:
Tigrani is a hybrid of Saperavi and Areni Noir, developed by Armenian breeders
Viticultural Traits:
Ripening: Late-ripening, reaching technical ripeness in 155-160 days with a sum of active temperatures around 3400 °C.
Yield: Produces yields of 17-21 tons per hectare.
Disease Resistance: Exhibits average resistance to fungal diseases and pests.
Climate Adaptability: Withstands frosts up to -19 to -22 °C, making it suitable for various Armenian climates.
Grape and Cluster Characteristics:
Bunches: Medium-sized, conical, with medium density.
Berries: Medium, egg-shaped, black with a thick bloom layer; the skin is thick, and the pulp is juicy.
Wine Profile:
Color: Deep, intense purple.
Aromas and Flavors: Notes of blackberry, blackcurrant, and oak spice; some expressions include dried fruits, spicy spices, and ripe cherries.
Structure: Full-bodied with integrated tannins and balanced acidity.
Aging Potential: Ages well in oak, developing additional complexity over time.
Cultural Significance:
Named "Tigrani," reflecting its Armenian heritage and the historical significance of the name Tigran in Armenian culture.
Modern Winemaking:
Utilized in producing high-quality red dry table wines and dessert wines; also found in blends with other red grape varieties.
Employed in crafting rosé wines, showcasing versatility across different wine styles.
Tigrani's robust characteristics and adaptability contribute significantly to the diversity and richness of Armenian viticulture.
Nrneni
Nrneni is a red grape variety from Armenia, notable for its unique characteristics and contributions to Armenian viticulture. Key aspects include:
Origin and Development:
Developed by Armenian breeders P.K. Ayvazyan and G.P. Ayvazyan through the crossing of Alicante Bouschet and Cabernet Sauvignon with Saperavi.
Viticultural Traits:
Ripening: Late-ripening, reaching technical ripeness in approximately 155-160 days with a sum of active temperatures around 3400 °C.
Yield: High-yielding, producing between 25 to 45 tons per hectare.
Frost Resistance: Weak frost resistance, necessitating the protection of bushes during winter.
Grape and Cluster Characteristics:
Bunches: Medium-sized, conical, with medium density.
Berries: Medium, round, black with a thick bloom layer; the skin is thick, and the pulp and juice exhibit an intense red color.
Wine Profile:
Color: Deep, intense red.
Aromas and Flavors: Earthy notes such as beetroot and sweet potting soil, complemented by dark fruit characters like blackberries and plums.
Structure: Well-structured with firm tannins and high acidity.
Aging Potential: Benefits from decanting and breathing before consumption; suitable for aging to develop complexity.
Cultural Significance:
The name "Nrneni" translates to "pomegranate" in Armenian, reflecting its deep red color and cultural importance.
Modern Winemaking:
Used in the production of red semisweet wines, showcasing its versatility.
Nrneni's distinctive characteristics and recent revival efforts contribute significantly to the diversity and richness of Armenian viticulture.
Kakhet, AKA Milagh
Origin and development:
Kakhet is a red grape variety primarily grown in the Aragatsotn and Ararat regions of Armenia, at high altitudes.
The region's abundance of sunny days contributes to the high sugar content of the grapes.
Kakhet is an autochthonous variety, unrelated to the Georgian region of Kakheti despite the similar name.
Viticultural Traits:
Kakhet is a late-ripening variety that produces abundant harvests.
It belongs to the ecological and geographical group of varieties from the Black Sea basin.
The grapes have a rounded shape and a dense skin that is dark purple, almost black, with a thick wax coating.
The vines are covered in winter to protect them from frosts.
Grape Characteristics:
The berries are sweet and juicy, making excellent grape juice.
They have a noticeable, rich shade when rubbed, characteristic of the Kakhet variety.
The flavor combines sweetness with a pleasant sourness.
Wine Profile:
Wines from Kakhet are dense, full-bodied, and rich in tannins.
They are characterized by a soft combination of sweetness and astringent sourness.
The wine has a rich ruby color, turning bright red when swirled.
On the palate, oak notes, ripe plums, and chocolate are prominent, finishing with a pleasant spicy aftertaste.
Pairing and Serving:
Kakhet wines are typically paired with a cheese platter and meat dishes, enhancing the dining experience.
Cultural Significance:
Kakhet has been cultivated in Armenia for thousands of years, playing an integral role in the country's ancient winemaking traditions.
Khndohni
Origin:
Khndohni is a red grape variety cultivated mainly in the Armavir region of Armenia.
The name "Khndohni" translates to "coloring" in Armenian, referring to its deep color contributions.
Viticultural Traits:
Khndohni is known for abundant yields, even under poor watering conditions.
The variety thrives on both southern and northern mountain slopes, and in lowlands where sunlight is abundant.
It has limited frost resistance; if temperatures reach -20°C, the vine can be damaged, so it is covered during winter to protect against cold temperatures.
Grape Characteristics:
The grapes are known for their bright red-cherry color, contributing to the color of the wine.
The vine benefits from good sunlight exposure, which enhances the grape's ripening.
Wine Profile:
Wines made from Khndohni have a bright red-cherry hue.
The taste features spicy-fruity aromas, complemented by woody notes from oak barrel aging.
The wines combine pleasant sourness, perceptible sweetness, and subtle hints of spicy spices.
Khndohni wines have a rich, voluminous texture with a refined aftertaste that lingers in the mouth.
If the wine is made with stems and skins, the tartness is more pronounced.
The bouquet often includes shades of pomegranate, cherry, and dogwood.
Winemaking Uses:
Khndohni is often used in blends to create wines with a harmonious taste.
The variety is also used to produce excellent port-style wines and Cahors wines, offering richness and complexity.
Cultural Significance:
Khndohni is an important variety in Armenia, contributing to the country's winemaking heritage.
Armenian wine is gaining recognition on the international stage, attracting connoisseurs and sommeliers.
Additional Information:
Armenian winemakers are focusing on showcasing their craftsmanship and dedication to winemaking, ensuring global recognition of the ancient winemaking traditions.
The distinctive flavor profile and deep color make Khndohni wines a unique and sought-after addition to the world of wine.