WINE ADVOCATE - 93 POINTS
Tasted from a bottle purchased at an airport duty-free shop—an airport owned by Eduardo Eurnekian, who also owns Karas Wines—the Karas 2023 Areni Reserve Sireni takes the Areni Noir grape in a richer, more expansive direction, showing ripe cherry and blackberry with added depth and spice. The wine offers greater volume overall, and the Reserve Sireni is released one year later than the classic Areni, allowing for additional development and integration. Whereas the classic Areni is aged in amphorae, this Reserve Sireni spends six months in Armenian oak barrels, lending subtle structure and warmth to the wine. The vineyards are rooted in volcanic soils composed of lightly eroded clay formed from basalt, with high levels of carbonate and limestone, alongside volcanic tuff and alluvial deposits, which contribute to the wine’s texture and mineral nuance.
Hi-Time's Top Exotic Import Wines of 2024 - Armenia
This rich dry red is composed of 40% Areni and 60% Sireni grown in Armenia's Ararat Valley. These indigenous grape varietals were grown on volcanic soil: lightly eroded clay formed by basalt, high levels of carbonate and limestone, volcanic tuff and alluvial stones. The climate is continental: semi-arid with warm summers and dry cold winters. The grapes were manually harvested then fermented in karas, Armenia's traditional clay amphora, and aged in Armenian oak.
Sherrie Nachman, writing in Forbes magazine, suggested the Karas would go well with Thanksgiving dinner:
"An under the radar bottle: Karas, Reserve Areni-Sireni 2022
If you are looking for something new to wow your guests, this bottle from Karas is an excellent choice. This distinctive Karas Reserve Areni Sireni from Armenia is a blend of 40% Areni and 60% Sireni and brings the rich essence of the Ararat Valley to life. On the nose, vibrant notes of cherries, prunes, and violet petals intertwine with a subtle earthiness and mineral undertones. The palate is fresh and medium-bodied, showcasing a harmonious mix of red berries, a touch of pomegranate, and hints of forest herbs and spices. This wine's round tannins and balanced acidity lead to a persistent, fruity finish. Crafted in Armenia's traditional clay karas and aged in Armenian oak, this wine is a perfect Thanksgiving companion."
Tasted from a bottle purchased at an airport duty-free shop—an airport owned by Eduardo Eurnekian, who also owns Karas Wines—the Karas 2023 Areni Reserve Sireni takes the Areni Noir grape in a richer, more expansive direction, showing ripe cherry and blackberry with added depth and spice. The wine offers greater volume overall, and the Reserve Sireni is released one year later than the classic Areni, allowing for additional development and integration. Whereas the classic Areni is aged in amphorae, this Reserve Sireni spends six months in Armenian oak barrels, lending subtle structure and warmth to the wine. The vineyards are rooted in volcanic soils composed of lightly eroded clay formed from basalt, with high levels of carbonate and limestone, alongside volcanic tuff and alluvial deposits, which contribute to the wine’s texture and mineral nuance.
Hi-Time's Top Exotic Import Wines of 2024 - Armenia
This rich dry red is composed of 40% Areni and 60% Sireni grown in Armenia's Ararat Valley. These indigenous grape varietals were grown on volcanic soil: lightly eroded clay formed by basalt, high levels of carbonate and limestone, volcanic tuff and alluvial stones. The climate is continental: semi-arid with warm summers and dry cold winters. The grapes were manually harvested then fermented in karas, Armenia's traditional clay amphora, and aged in Armenian oak.
Sherrie Nachman, writing in Forbes magazine, suggested the Karas would go well with Thanksgiving dinner:
"An under the radar bottle: Karas, Reserve Areni-Sireni 2022
If you are looking for something new to wow your guests, this bottle from Karas is an excellent choice. This distinctive Karas Reserve Areni Sireni from Armenia is a blend of 40% Areni and 60% Sireni and brings the rich essence of the Ararat Valley to life. On the nose, vibrant notes of cherries, prunes, and violet petals intertwine with a subtle earthiness and mineral undertones. The palate is fresh and medium-bodied, showcasing a harmonious mix of red berries, a touch of pomegranate, and hints of forest herbs and spices. This wine's round tannins and balanced acidity lead to a persistent, fruity finish. Crafted in Armenia's traditional clay karas and aged in Armenian oak, this wine is a perfect Thanksgiving companion."
