Armenian wines are not our go-to, but since we are always searching for great new values, we had a representative come by and show us a few. We had zero expectations here, but as soon as we tasted this Areni, we were shocked by how good it was, and the price-quality was off the charts. This is a wine project started by Michael Fanzese and is sourced from select vineyards in the villages of Rind and Aghavnadzor within Armenia's Vayots Dzor region. These vines thrive at elevations between 4,300 and 6,000 feet in black volcanic soils near the base of Mount Ararat from vineyards that have been in operation for 6,000 years. This high-altitude terroir imparts unique characteristics to the Areni grape, known as the genetic parent of Pinot Noir, resulting in a wine that has some Pinot Noir similarities but comes across as an intersection between Sangiovese and Nerello Mascalese (Etna). The 2023 vintage showcases a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity: Hand-harvested grapes are vinified using ancient clay vessels called karases (think amphora) and contemporary stainless steel tanks. Approximately 30% of the wine matures in second-year and neutral French oak barrels, adding complexity and refined tannins. The result is a complex yet balanced profile featuring high-elevation-influenced red fruits like early-season red cherries, tart plum, and raspberry but with a Mediterranean flair that shows notes of Tomato leaf and basil. There is a good sense of minerality here with some dry earth and a touch of spice that adds depth, leading to a fairly refined finish with some slightly dusty tannins like we see in Etna Rosso, which comes from the thicker skins of the Areni grape. Fresh, expressive, unique, and delicious, this is an impressive bottle of red wine with a broad appeal and shows classic restraint at only 12% Alcohol. This is one of the best wines we have tasted at this price point in some time, and at $19.99, it's an easy buy to try and a look at the underrated but extensive viticultural history of Armenia!