🍷 Aran 2020 Limited Sireni Red Wine – Sarafian Vineyards, Artsakh, Armenia (Pre-War Vintage)
The Final Pre-War Vintage from Artsakh – Rare. Bold. Unrepeatable.
100% Khndoghni (Sireni) • Indigenous Grape • Collector’s Item
Overview & Historical Context
The Aran 2020 Limited Sireni Red is not just a wine—it is the final pre-war vintage from Artsakh, harvested in September 2020, just weeks before the outbreak of the 44-Day War on September 27. That conflict led to the loss of over 70% of Artsakh’s vineyards, including the historic Sarafian Vineyards, the source of this extraordinary wine.
Crafted from 100% Khndoghni (also known as Sireni)—a rare and powerful grape found only in Artsakh—this limited-edition wine stands as a monument to a lost terroir, a region with millennia of winemaking history, silenced by war. This vintage marks the end of an era, and with it, one of the last authentic expressions of indigenous Artsakh viticulture.
Tasting Notes
Deep garnet in the glass, the 2020 Aran Sireni Red opens with intense aromatics of black plum, boysenberry, and cassis, layered with graphite, roasted herbs, cracked black pepper, and touches of dried rose and tobacco leaf.
The palate is full-bodied, delivering bold tannins and dense dark fruit, balanced by fresh acidity and a savory core. Flavors of black cherry, licorice, clove, and cedar unfold into a long, powerful finish with earthy undertones and lingering spice. This wine evolves beautifully in the glass—decanting is recommended to experience its full complexity.
Terroir & Winemaking
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Grape: 100% Khndoghni (Sireni) – Indigenous to Artsakh
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Region: Sarafian Vineyards, Askeran District, Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh)
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Harvest: September 2020 – just before the war
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Farming: Hand-harvested, estate-grown, traditional viticulture
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Fermentation: Native yeasts, extended maceration for richness
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Aging: In stainless steel and neutral oak to preserve varietal purity
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Production: Very limited – a one-time, unrepeatable vintage
The Legacy of Aran Wines & the Sarafian Family
Aran Wines is one of the finest wine estates to emerge from Artsakh, reflecting the land’s depth, cultural heritage, and indigenous grape traditions. The Sarafian Family, who own both the winery and vineyards, have paid a profound price for their commitment to Artsakh and the Khndoghni grape. Even after losing their land, they continue their mission with resilience—crafting wines that honor their ancestral roots.
This bottle is more than wine—it is a tribute to a family’s courage and a region’s legacy, and perhaps the final chapter of its winemaking story.
Food Pairing Suggestions
Pair this bold and expressive wine with dishes that match its power and earthiness:
- Lamb chops with rosemary and garlic
- Grilled steak or smoked brisket
- Stuffed eggplant with walnuts and pomegranate molasses
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Aged hard cheeses like Manchego, aged Chechil, or Pecorino
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Game meats and herb-roasted dishes
Cellaring & Collectibility
This wine is drinking beautifully now, especially with decanting, but will evolve over the next 7–10 years. As a final pre-war vintage from vineyards that no longer exist, this bottle holds immense collectible value—both as a wine and a historic artifact. No future vintages from this terroir are possible under current conditions.
In Summary
The Aran 2020 Limited Sireni Red Wine is a powerful, deeply personal, and irreplaceable expression of Artsakh’s indigenous terroir. With fruit sourced just before the war destroyed its vineyards, this wine is a final voice from a silenced region. Crafted with care by the Sarafian family and made from the bold, historic Khndoghni grape, it offers structure, intensity, and a story worth remembering. A rare treasure—for those who value meaning in every sip.
