THE JEFFERSON & DISCOVER CLUBS - May 2021
A few years ago, I had the great fortune to taste with my friend and mentor, Dan Pilkey, a brand ambassador for Paul Hobbs. While I’ve always enjoyed the wines Hobbs makes, Dan mentioned and poured a wine from Hobbs’ new Armenian collaboration with the Yacoubian family. For this month, I’d like to sip and share two selections from Yacoubian-Hobbs for the Discover and Jefferson Clubs.
THE JEFFERSON CLUB
Yacoubian-Hobbs
Sarpina’
2016
Wine Maker: Paul Hobbs & the Yacoubian family
Region: Rind, Vayots Dzor, Armenia
Grape Varietal: 100% Areni
Viticulture: volcanic rock and limestone
Method: stainless steel ferment; aged 7 months in French puncheons
Serving Suggestions: serve at 64-68F in Bordeaux glass; decant
serve with braised or roasted red meats
Age: drink or hold through 2026
Nose: ripe blueberry, licorice, and spice
Palate: cooked black raspberry, baking spices, and cigar smoke
Finish: refined tannin structure with elegant length
THE DISCOVER CLUB
Yacoubian-Hobbs
Areni
2016
Wine Maker: Paul Hobbs and Yacoubian family
Region: Rind, Vayots Dzor, Aremenia
Grape Varietal: 100% Areni
Viticulture: volcanic rock and limestone
Method: aged in stainless steel
Serving Suggestions: decant; serve at 60-65F
serve with grilled meats
Age: drink 2021-2026
Nose: candied raspberry, herbs, spices
Palate: lively texture with pronounced acidity and spice
Finish: wisp of licorice with lingering acidty
About Armenian Wines
The Yacoubian-Hobbs collaboration explores the tradition and history of Armenian winemaking, making both selections ideal for our Discover and Jefferson Club wines. The “Discovery” of these ancient varietals from the unique site of the Vayots Dzor region of southern Armenia occurred as recently as the last 20 years with DNA testing of small, hidden gems of vineyards. However, Armenian wine production is as “Iconic” as it gets, since it is home to the oldest recorded winery in the world. The Areni-1 cave, discovered in 2007, was carbon-dated to around 4100 BC and contains traces of winemaking tools and records. This discovery helped solidify the theory that vitis vinifera originated in this small corner of the world.
The Vayots-Dzor is one of the most sparsely populated (and planted) regions of Armenia, but Hobbs selected it for its viticultural advantages: it is at 1,200 meters and higher above sea level, the loose rocky soils offer great drainage, and it is conveniently located in close proximity to the Areni-1 cave. It is no wonder the Areni grape thrives in this special place!
Why I am excited about this wine
It is always an exciting experience to explore a new wine grape or region, particularly because you get to begin with no expectations! I had never had a wine from either Armenia or made from the Areni grape, so the opportunity to taste two distinctly different examples made from a producer the caliber of Paul Hobbs is a treasure. The Areni showcases soft, fresh fruit characters while the Sarpina offers more matured, savory notes likened to Gran Reserva Rioja.
If you enjoyed exploring these wines, we also carry Yacoubian-Hobbs white blend made from Voskehat, Khatuni, and Nazeli, three unique indigenous Armenian grapes. It is fresh, citrusy, and floral! A great accompaniment to the Areni!