2017 Hin Areni - La Divine Areni Vayots Dzor (750ml)

Hin Areni Winery was founded in 2013 in the village of Areni, in Armenia's Vayots Dzor region, an area often called the cradle of Armenian winemaking. The winery sits close to the Areni-1 cave, where archaeologists uncovered evidence of a winery dating back roughly 6,100 years, making this one of the oldest wine-producing landscapes in the world. Hin Areni blends modern technology with traditional methods, and its roughly 32 hectares of vineyards focus on showcasing Armenia's native grape varieties, chiefly Areni Noir.

Areni Noir is an ungrafted, indigenous red grape grown here at elevations between 1,215 and 1,250 meters, where sedimentary and volcanic soils meet a climate of long, dry, sun-drenched summers and cool nights. That daily temperature swing extends the growing season and pushes harvest into late October, allowing the grapes to develop concentration while retaining natural acidity. La Divine, the winery's top bottling, spends thirty-six months aging in oak barrels, giving the wine time to soften its structure and deepen in complexity.

The result is a dark ruby red wine with a fine, silky texture and layered tannins that have had ample time to integrate. Expect notes of red and black fruit, cassis, and a touch of black pepper and spice, all wrapped in real depth and length. It pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted lamb, aged cheeses, and other hearty, savory dishes.