A few miles from these vineyards, archaeologists uncovered the oldest known complete winemaking facility on Earth β presses, fermentation vats, storage vessels, and grape remains dating to roughly 4,100 BCE.
94 PTS RATED
Areni, Pinot Noir
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The easiest-drinking red you'll ever pour
Bright fruit, silky smooth, and so clean it disappears on the finish β leaving nothing but the taste and the urge to pour another glass.
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The parent of Pinot Noir β 6,100 years in the making
Someone crushed this exact grape in a cave near Mount Ararat 6,100 years ago. You're holding what they started.
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94-point Gold Medal winner β nothing added
No additives. No preservatives. Just the grape, the volcanic soil, and a beautiful taste.
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About the product
About the product
Shipping Information
Shipping Information
Your shipment must be signed by an adult 21+ at the address provided. If you are not present or cannot provide valid ID, the carrier may return or hold the shipment. It is your responsibility to ensure state and local laws allow direct shipments of wine to your address.
Due to state regulations, we only ship alcohol to:
βAK AZ CA CO DC FL GA HI IA ID IL IN KS KY LA MA MD MN MO NC ND NE NH NM NV NY OH OK OR PA SC TN TX VT WA WI WV WY
THE ORIGIN STORY
Before Burgundy had a name, this grape had a history.
Areni Noir was ancient when Pinot Noir was young.
This is not just wine. This is heritage in a bottle.
The Birthplace of Wine
High desert. Black volcanic soil.Β A grape built to endure.
At 4,300 to 6,000 feet, days run hot and nights turn cold. That swing protects the bright acidity that makes Areni feel alive, while the volcanic ground concentrates every small berry.
6,200
Year Old Heritage
12%
ABV
0
Added Sugar or Sulfates
BUT FIRST, LET US TELL YOU ABOUT THE WINE
Pinot's brightness. Cabernet's backbone.One unmistakable red.
Most reds make you choose between elegance and power. Areni does not.
Wild cherry and pomegranate arrive first. Black cherry, dried herbs, and fine tannin follow. The finish is long, clean, and unmistakably mineral.
NOSE
Wild cherry Β· violet Β· pomegranate
PALATE
Black cherry Β· herbs Β· cocoa
FINISH
Fine tannin Β· volcanic mineral Β· lift
THE ORIGIN STORY
Fermented in clay karases. Finished without makeup.
Ancient clay vessels meet stainless steel and neutral French oak. No industrial yeast. No added sugar. Nothing designed to hide the grape.
THE MAN BEHIND THE WINE
The man who brought Areni to America knows something aboutΒ starting over.
Michael Franzese lived a life most people do not leave.
In the 1980s, he was a capo in New Yorkβs Colombo crime family. Everyone who reached that altitude was expected to end in a cell or a grave.
Michael chose a third door. He served his time, walked away, rebuilt his life, and refused to let the old one write the ending.
When he discovered a grape that had survived empires, invasion, collectivization, and near-erasure, he recognized the story immediately.
HERE IS WHAT THE CRITICS FOUND
This is not a story bottle with average wine inside. It earned the room.
94 Points
"Floral-toned beauty⦠tart red cherry and sweet tobacco add depth."
THE TASTING PANEL
Gold Medal
"Bright red fruits and a pleasing underlying light spice."
BEVERAGE TESTING INSTITUTE
Best Wine
"Winner for quality, bold character, and the expression of Armenia's wine history."
ECRM GRAND TASTING AWARDS
6,100 YEARS OF WINE HISTORY
β’
94 POINTS
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GOLD MEDAL
β’
BEST WINE
β’
3,400+ STORES
β’
50,000+ CUSTOMERS
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Endorsed by acclaimed chefs, wine experts, and culinary professionals around the world
Wolfgang Puck
Legendary culinary innovator and world-renowned chef.
Mario Lopez
Actor, TV personality and host of Access Hollywood
Andrew Gruel
Chef, restaurateur, and TV personality
Customer Favorites
Award-Winning Wines
4.9 stars - 500+ reviews
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This wine exceeded all my expectations. The depth of flavor and smooth finish make it perfect for any occasion.
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Absolutely exceptional quality. You can taste the craftsmanship in every sip. Highly recommend to any wine enthusiast.
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A truly remarkable wine. The balance of fruit and oak is perfect, and it pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes.
THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO TASTE IT
6,100 years. One grape. One Glass.
Pinot brightness. Cabernet backbone. 94 points. Gold Medal recognition. And a guarantee that puts the risk on us.
TASTE THE BIRTHPLACE OF WINEOne-time purchase Β· Adult 21+ signature required Β· 30-day guarantee
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Areni wine?
What is Areni wine?
Areni is a dry red wine made from the Areni Noir grape β an indigenous variety found only in Armenia. It's one of the oldest known wine grapes in the world, grown in the same region where archaeologists discovered the oldest winery ever found, dating back over 6,100 years. Expect dark cherry, smoked plum, and a long, clean finish with no sulfite bitterness.
How does Areni compare to Pinot Noir?
How does Areni compare to Pinot Noir?
They share a similar elegance and earthy complexity β wine lovers who enjoy Burgundy often find immediate common ground. But Areni is more structured, grown at 1,400 meters elevation in volcanic soil, which gives it a depth and mineral quality that softer-terrain Pinot Noir rarely achieves at this price point.
Is this wine sulfite-free?
Is this wine sulfite-free?
No sulfites are added to any Franzese Wine. The quality of the fruit and the winemaking carry the wine on their own β the way it's been done in Armenia for over 6,000 years.
How should I serve this wine?
How should I serve this wine?
Serve at 16β18Β°C (61β64Β°F). Decant for 30β45 minutes β the complexity that opens up in the glass is worth the wait. A wide-bowl Burgundy glass brings out the full aromatic profile.
Do you ship to my state?
Do you ship to my state?
We currently ship to 37 states. Enter your address at checkout and we'll confirm availability. Adult signature is required on delivery in all states.
What if a bottle arrives damaged?
What if a bottle arrives damaged?
Full replacement or refund, no questions asked. Wine shipping is complicated β we own any damage that happens in transit.
Is signature required upon delivery?
Is signature required upon delivery?
Most orders do not require a signature, but this can vary by carrier and delivery location. All wine shipments require an adult (21+) to be present to receive the package.
Who do I contact for help?
Who do I contact for help?
Reach us at hello@franzesewine.com or through the chat on our website. We're a small team and we respond to every message personally.
