MOLANA 2021 Dry Red Wine
đ· 2021 Molana Dry Red Wine (Rasheh, Armenia â Iranian Grapes)
Introduction & Background
In the fall of 2021, acclaimed winemaker Vahe Keushgerianâthe visionary behind Keush sparkling wines, Zulal, and Oshinâundertook a daring journey to Iran, intent on reviving winemaking from its roots. With wine banned in Iran since 1979, Vahe clandestinely sourced 100% Rasheh grapes from the remote Sardasht region near the Iraqi border and brought them to Armenia for vinification.
The result: Molana Dry Red Wine, crafted from the first modern Iranian-grown grapes made into wine in over four decades. Named in honor of Rumi ("Molana" meaning "our teacher"), this wine stands not only as an expression of ancient terroir but also as a triumph of winemaking ingenuity and cultural preservation.
Viticulture & Winemaking
- Grape: 100% Rasheh from Sardasht, Iran, at 1,480âŻm elevation on volcanic soils
- Fermentation: Native-yeast, 40-day maceration to preserve varietal character
- Aging: Stainless steel to highlight freshness and minerality
- Production: Approximately 12,000 bottles globallyâan extremely limited release (some sources report 1,200 cases; others 10,000â12,000 bottles)
Tasting Notes
A fascinating, medium-bodied red with a ruby hue and lifted aromas of black cherry, blackberry, and cassis, layered with green peppercorn, herbs, and warming spices. The wine opens slowly; once aerated, elegant ripe fruit emerges, balanced by black and green pepper, a savory herbal complexity, and a persistent, medium-long finish. Velvety tannins and well-integrated acidity provide structure without heaviness.
Another review notes its tender, diaphanous texture, âfloral berry tones, sumac and tomato-vine nuances,â and a âgem-cut rubyâ feel on the palateâelegant, fresh, and beautifully balanced.
Food Pairing Suggestions
- Grilled lamb or beef kebabsâcomplement high-elevation tannins and pepper spice
- Game meats like venison or duck with spiced fruit sauces
- Persian cuisineâdishes such as lamb ghormeh sabzi or herb-forward stews
- Age-worthy cheesesâsemi-firm ComtĂ©, Manchego, or nutty aged Gouda
Cultural & Collectible Significance
This is not just a wineâitâs a narrative of cultural resilience, one of the most daring wine projects ever attempted, and the first modern Iranian wine in exile since 1979. Featured in the documentary SOMM: Cup of Salvation, Molana represents a fusion of heritage, artistry, and defiance.
Drinking Window
Enjoyable now with decanting, this wine should evolve gracefully over 3â5 years, adding tertiary spice and developing further depth. Given its limited availability and distinct story, it's highly collectible.
In Summary
The 2021 Molana Dry Red is a trailblazing wine that transcends its exquisite palateârevealing cherry and cassis fruit, peppery spice, herbal layers, and refined structureâto become a symbol of historical revival. Crafted from clandestinely sourced Rasheh grapes, fermented with native yeast, and named for Rumi, this limited-release wine is a powerful convergence of culture, courage, and craft. A must-try for adventurous wine lovers, collectors, and those who appreciate stories as profound as the wine itself.
Product of Armenia
MOLANA 2021 Dry Red Wine
đ· 2021 Molana Dry Red Wine (Rasheh, Armenia â Iranian Grapes)
Introduction & Background
In the fall of 2021, acclaimed winemaker Vahe Keushgerianâthe visionary behind Keush sparkling wines, Zulal, and Oshinâundertook a daring journey to Iran, intent on reviving winemaking from its roots. With wine banned in Iran since 1979, Vahe clandestinely sourced 100% Rasheh grapes from the remote Sardasht region near the Iraqi border and brought them to Armenia for vinification.
The result: Molana Dry Red Wine, crafted from the first modern Iranian-grown grapes made into wine in over four decades. Named in honor of Rumi ("Molana" meaning "our teacher"), this wine stands not only as an expression of ancient terroir but also as a triumph of winemaking ingenuity and cultural preservation.
Viticulture & Winemaking
- Grape: 100% Rasheh from Sardasht, Iran, at 1,480âŻm elevation on volcanic soils
- Fermentation: Native-yeast, 40-day maceration to preserve varietal character
- Aging: Stainless steel to highlight freshness and minerality
- Production: Approximately 12,000 bottles globallyâan extremely limited release (some sources report 1,200 cases; others 10,000â12,000 bottles)
Tasting Notes
A fascinating, medium-bodied red with a ruby hue and lifted aromas of black cherry, blackberry, and cassis, layered with green peppercorn, herbs, and warming spices. The wine opens slowly; once aerated, elegant ripe fruit emerges, balanced by black and green pepper, a savory herbal complexity, and a persistent, medium-long finish. Velvety tannins and well-integrated acidity provide structure without heaviness.
Another review notes its tender, diaphanous texture, âfloral berry tones, sumac and tomato-vine nuances,â and a âgem-cut rubyâ feel on the palateâelegant, fresh, and beautifully balanced.
Food Pairing Suggestions
- Grilled lamb or beef kebabsâcomplement high-elevation tannins and pepper spice
- Game meats like venison or duck with spiced fruit sauces
- Persian cuisineâdishes such as lamb ghormeh sabzi or herb-forward stews
- Age-worthy cheesesâsemi-firm ComtĂ©, Manchego, or nutty aged Gouda
Cultural & Collectible Significance
This is not just a wineâitâs a narrative of cultural resilience, one of the most daring wine projects ever attempted, and the first modern Iranian wine in exile since 1979. Featured in the documentary SOMM: Cup of Salvation, Molana represents a fusion of heritage, artistry, and defiance.
Drinking Window
Enjoyable now with decanting, this wine should evolve gracefully over 3â5 years, adding tertiary spice and developing further depth. Given its limited availability and distinct story, it's highly collectible.
In Summary
The 2021 Molana Dry Red is a trailblazing wine that transcends its exquisite palateârevealing cherry and cassis fruit, peppery spice, herbal layers, and refined structureâto become a symbol of historical revival. Crafted from clandestinely sourced Rasheh grapes, fermented with native yeast, and named for Rumi, this limited-release wine is a powerful convergence of culture, courage, and craft. A must-try for adventurous wine lovers, collectors, and those who appreciate stories as profound as the wine itself.
Product of Armenia