This traditional method sparkling wine from winemaker Vahe Keushguerian is an excellent example of the versatility of the Areni variety. Areni is considered one of Armenia’s flagship grapes. The rose’ and red wines we’ve tasted were exceptional. If only we could easily find more of them in U.S. markets, but I understand there is movement in that regard.
The grapes are grown at 1800 meters (almost 6,000 feet) in the volcanic Vayots Dzor region, one of the highest elevation vineyards to produce traditional method sparkling in the world. This is a very versatile food wine, weighing in at only 12% alcohol.
The bubbles are orange-tinted in the glass, very effervescent, and explode on entry with a mouthful of freshness. On the palate, we experienced orange, tangerine, and red apple juiciness. although the finish is classic Brut Nature. This is an excellent light-bodied, acid-driven sparkling wine with soft tannins that reminded us of Oregon Pinot Noir rosé’.
Read Vahe Keushguerian’s Wine Characters interview here.
Note: this wine was reviewed by a two-person panel, including myself and Ken Collura – Somm at Large – and former Wine Direct/Somm at Bern’s Steak House in Tampa, the largest wine list in the U.S., with over 500,000 bottles, and Andina in Portland.