2017 Zulal Areni Syrah Sireni Armenia 750 ml

For those looking to dip a toe into Armenia’s world of indigenous grape varieties, this diaphanous dark ruby blend of Areni, Syrah, and Sireni is the ultimate introduction. 

From the internationally established Zulal Winery, this 2017 red offers what Forbes calls “superlative value” for its volcanic, terroir-driven character.

Picture the structure of a Pinot Noir amplified by Zinfandel’s spicy fruit and you’ve got this Zulal. Aromas of wild raspberry have an added kick from fresh-cracked pepper, violet, and piquant herbs. 

As balanced as a prima ballerina, black cherry and strawberry weave their way through a tightly knit palate while pink peppercorn and fresh cardamom demi-pointe around them. Delicate but spicy, the tangy acidity leaves a sustained savory sensation on the finish that begs to be replicated as soon as it’s over. 

Zulal means “pure” in Armenian, and the winery was founded to unearth and revive lost and forgotten grape varieties. This 2017 blend has 70% Areni, Armenia’s flagship red grape. Forbes describes Areni as “more quietly seductive than overtly flirtatious. It’s ‘Penny Lane’ by the Beatles rather than Rolling Stones’ ‘Satisfaction,’ lamb chops more than grilled sirloin…more Rhône valley than Cahors.”

Perhaps that’s why the peppered cherry character of the Areni works so perfectly with the more recognizable bass note of Syrah in this 2017 Zulal. Aged in muted Caucasian oak that shares its terroir with the grapes, the purity of this minerally, volcanic red shines through in a way that’s as familiar as it is exceptional.