🍷 Aran 2019 Sireni Red – Sarafian Vineyards, Artsakh, Armenia (Pre-War Vintage)
Indigenous Grape • Historic Terroir • Rare Pre-War Bottling
Introduction & Background
The Aran 2019 Sireni Red is a rare and emotionally resonant wine from the now-lost vineyards of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), produced just before the region was devastated by war. Sourced from the Sarafian family’s estate vineyards, this bottling is a tribute to Armenia’s enduring wine heritage and to the power of indigenous grape varieties to express place and history.
Crafted from 100% Sireni (also known locally as Khndoghni), this grape is native to Artsakh and prized for its deep color, full body, and robust structure. The 2019 vintage was one of the last harvests before conflict changed the landscape, making this wine a rare collector’s item and a historic expression of Armenian viticulture.
Tasting Notes
The 2019 Aran Sireni Red pours a rich, inky garnet. Aromatically expressive, it reveals layers of blackberry, mulberry, and dark cherry, intertwined with notes of dried herbs, black pepper, tobacco leaf, and a touch of graphite.
On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied with a muscular core of ripe dark fruit, framed by firm yet polished tannins and balanced acidity. The wine unfolds with complexity, showing savory spice, crushed stone, and a persistent finish with echoes of violet, smoke, and earth. Decanting is recommended to unlock its full spectrum.
Winemaking & Terroir
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Grape: 100% Sireni (Khndoghni) – Indigenous to Artsakh
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Region: Sarafian Vineyards, Askeran District, Artsakh
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Farming: Hand-harvested, traditional vineyard methods
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Vinification: Fermented with native yeasts, aged in neutral oak and stainless steel
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Production: Limited pre-war vintage — extremely rare and unreproducible
The Sarafian family, owners of Aran Wines, have long been dedicated to preserving the viticultural traditions of Artsakh. Despite the destruction of their lands, their wines remain a living testament to resilience, identity, and place.
Food Pairing Suggestions
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Grilled meats: Lamb, beef skewers, or venison with earthy sauces
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Aged cheeses: Sharp cheddar, aged Manchego, or hard Armenian cheeses
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Hearty Armenian fare: Khorovats (grilled meat), ghapama, or lentil stews
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Rustic vegetarian dishes: Grilled eggplant, mushrooms, or pomegranate-glazed dishes
Cellaring & Collectibility
This 2019 vintage has the structure and acid profile to age gracefully for 7–10 years. But more than age-worthiness, this wine carries profound cultural and historical weight—it is a final snapshot of a vineyard and region now at risk of disappearance. With extremely limited availability, it is highly collectible and deeply meaningful for lovers of Armenian wine and heritage.
In Summary
The Aran 2019 Sireni Red from Sarafian Vineyards is a bold, authentic expression of Artsakh’s ancient winemaking traditions. Crafted from the indigenous Sireni grape, this wine offers richness, structure, and soul—embodying the terroir, history, and resilience of a region under threat. A rare pre-war vintage, it’s both a remarkable wine and a historic artifact. Drink it with reverence—or cellar it as a tribute to what once was.
