2022 Hin Areni - Zalee Velmora Areni Noir (750ml)

Hin Areni was founded in 2013 by the Karapetyan family beside the Areni-1 Cave in Vayots Dzor, where archaeologists discovered the earliest known winery, dating back about 6,100 years. Fully modernized in 2023, the estate works only with Armenia’s native Areni Noir and Voskehat grapes, crafting single-varietal wines from its own vineyards.

The estate farms 32 hectares at about 1,250 meters of elevation, including five organic hectares, on mineral-rich volcanic soils with more than 300 days of sunshine a year. Areni Noir is an indigenous, ungrafted variety. Its thick skin makes it disease-resistant and well adapted to wide swings between day and night temperatures. The red wines are made in a classic style and aged in oak barrels before release.

Bright red berries, cherry, and pomegranate lead, with floral lift and herbal tones that emerge as the wine opens. Medium-bodied and slightly peppery, it shows light tannins, balanced acidity, and a pleasantly tart finish. Elegant and delicate, it reveals the lighter, aromatic side of Areni Noir.