Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Geghani – Kangun Semi-Dry White 2021
Ararat Region – Armenia 🇦🇲

Overview:
100% Kangun, an indigenous Armenian grape variety. This semi-dry style highlights both fruit concentration and texture, with partial aging in amphora clay adding depth and a distinctive character.

Aromas & Flavors:
The wine bursts with dried apricot, baked yellow pear, and honeydew melon, layered with honeysuckle and subtle honeyed tones. There’s a soft oxidative nuance that adds complexity without overwhelming the freshness.

Mouthfeel:
Round and fruit-driven with a silky mid-palate, the sweetness is well-balanced by acidity, keeping the wine lively. The amphora influence provides a slightly earthy texture and a long, elegant finish.

Food Pairings:
Ideal alongside foie gras, blue cheeses, fruit tarts, or simply enjoyed as a contemplative glass on its own.

Verdict:
A beautiful expression of Kangun that straddles the line between classic sweet wines like Sauternes or Tokaji, but with a distinctly Armenian soul. Memorable and unique. Cheers!

Did You Know?
Kangun was developed in Armenia in the 1940s as a cross between local and international grapes, making it one of the country’s most planted white varieties today. Its name translates to “resistant”, reflecting its hardiness in Armenia’s extreme continental climate. — 4 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Galar – Haghtanak Dry Red 2023
Armavir Region – Armenia 🇦🇲

Overview:
100% Haghtanak, an indigenous Armenian red grape known for its deep color and juicy profile. Cultivated in the Armavir region, where sun-soaked plains meet cooling breezes from Mount Ararat.

Aromas & Flavors:
A medley of ripe berries, blackberry, cherry, and mulberry, it mingles with subtle floral undertones. Juicy and fruit-forward without being overripe.

Mouthfeel:
Silky and smooth, with polished tannins that glide across the palate. Medium-bodied with a long yet gentle finish that leaves a clean impression.

Food Pairings:
Pairs effortlessly with roasted lamb, grilled vegetables, Armenian khorovats (BBQ), or even simple flatbreads with herbs and cheese.

Verdict:
Casual, approachable, and versatile, this Haghtanak showcases Armenia’s ability to deliver reds that balance freshness with smooth elegance. A great introduction to the country’s unique red varietals. Cheers!

Did You Know?
Haghtanak means “victory” in Armenian. The grape was bred in the mid-20th century by crossing indigenous varieties with Saperavi, giving it both resilience in the vineyard and a naturally inky depth in the glass. — 4 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Karas “Kraki Ktor” Orange Wine 2022
Ararat Valley, Armavir Region, Armenia 🇦🇲

Overview
Karas named this wine “Kraki Ktor” (“piece of fire” in Armenian), a bold expression of indigenous Kangun grapes made in the ancestral orange wine style. Crafted in volcanic soils near Mount Ararat, it celebrates Armenia’s millennia-old winemaking tradition—bringing the ancient karas (clay amphora) and modern elegance into a single glass.   

Aromas & Flavors
Delicately perfumed with orange blossom, ripe citrus, and bergamot, paired with nuanced quince and apricot. On the palate, it’s layered and softly savory, finishing with a gentle tannic grip and lingering dried fruit nuance.   

Mouthfeel
Silky, slightly cloudy, and texturally complex—sledding effortlessly across the palate, offering a refreshingly structured yet soft finish.  

Winemaking Notes
Fermented with 10 months of skin contact in stainless steel tanks, then bottled unfiltered and unstabilized to preserve its raw, authentic character and vivid depth. 

Food Pairing
Pairs beautifully with creamy vegetable stews, roasted poultry, hearty salads, or richer seafood dishes. It also makes a vibrant aperitif or companion for eclectic mezze plates. 

Verdict
Kraki Ktor 2022 is a captivating, terroir-forward orange wine that brings Armenia’s winemaking soul to life. It’s adventurous yet refined—perfect for those ready to explore natural, heritage-driven wines with energy and depth. Cheers! — a month ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Geghani – Kangun Dry White 2023
Ararat Region – Armenia 🇦🇲

Overview:
100% Kangun from a micro-producer, crafted in truly small batches. This artisanal style embraces Armenia’s ancient winemaking traditions, resulting in a distinctive and authentic expression of this indigenous grape.

Aromas & Flavors:
Bright notes of mandarin zest and lemon peel lead the way, supported by subtle orchard fruits and a touch of herbal freshness. A mineral backbone keeps everything lively and pure.

Mouthfeel:
Crisp and refreshing with vibrant acidity, balanced by a rounded texture that gives depth. The finish is long, clean, and slightly saline, echoing the terroir.

Food Pairings:
Pairs beautifully with grilled fish, dolma, fresh salads with citrus vinaigrettes, or goat cheese. A versatile companion for Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.

Verdict:
A strikingly fresh and artisanal Kangun that shows both elegance and substance. A must-try for those exploring Armenia’s hidden gems. Cheers! — 4 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

8.9

Karas Red Wine 2022
Armavir Region, Ararat Valley, Armenia 🇦🇲

Overview
From the esteemed Karas winery—named for the ancient clay amphorae (“karas”) central to winemaking heritage—comes this dynamic 2022 red blend. A bold yet nuanced mix of 35% Syrah, 35% Malbec, and 30% Cabernet Franc, it harnesses the volcanic soils and extreme continental climate of Armenia’s Ararat Valley. Karas blends centuries-old tradition with sustainable modern winemaking in this compelling entry.  

Aromas & Flavors
Deep aromas of dark cherry, ripe raspberry, and pomegranate, spiced by Syrah’s savory pepper bite and accented by smoky, green-pepper notes from the Cabernet Franc. The palate remains elegant, with fresh dark fruit layered over subtle spice and smoke notes. 

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with bright acidity and smooth, approachable tannins. It finishes with charm, balancing structure and drinkability perfectly. 

Winemaking Notes
Crafted with hand-harvested fruit and fermentation followed by gentle aging—likely in stainless steel or neutral vessels—to preserve purity of fruit. Karas emphasizes eco-conscious practices and respects its heritage while pushing Armenian wine into the global spotlight.  

Food Pairing
Versatile and friendly at the table: pairs beautifully with braised red meats, burgers, pulled pork, earthy pasta, barbecue, or tangy cheese. 

Verdict
Karas Red Wine 2022 is a balanced, vibrant, and terroir-driven blend that showcases Armenia’s winemaking heritage and dynamic present. A compelling value—rich yet accessible and endlessly charming. — a month ago

Anasheh Petroosian

10

Just tried the 2018 special reserve
Full body one of the best you can try in Armenia — 2 years ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.0

2018 vintage from the new Malahi range of the historical Maran winery. This is a blend from 3 grapes, each from different zones. 50 % Areni Noir (this grape used to be called "Black Mahani" up to 1947, hence the name) from Vayots Dzor, 25% Khndoghni from Artsakh (aka Nagorno-Karabakh), and 25% fruit from young Malbec vines from the Ararat Valley. 6 months in used oak. Deep dark colour. Blackberry fruit and spices in nose and mouth. Nice balance and fine-grained tannic structure. A very good wine, but still I would love to see a high end 100% Areni from this estate, as I believe this wine is a bit too internationally styled to compete with European wines in the same price range (about 24 euros). — 5 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Karas Reserve Areni-Sireni 2023
Ararat Valley, Armenia 🇦🇲

Overview
A striking expression of Armenia’s winemaking heritage, this blend combines 60% Areni and 40% Sireni, two iconic indigenous grapes grown in volcanic soils at the foot of Mount Ararat. Crafted using a mix of traditional Karas (clay amphorae) fermentation and aging in Armenian oak, Karas Winery—led by the Eurnekian family—presents a wine deeply rooted in place and legacy, yet modern in balance and structure.   

Aromas & Flavors
Rich, dark berries and plum notes lead the charge, followed by savory Mediterranean herbs, earthy minerality, and a gentle anchor of spice and volcanic intensity. Despite its depth, the wine maintains admirable freshness and poise.  

Mouthfeel
Texturally generous and layered, with a medium to full body and a refined tannin structure. Its sleek acidity and mineral elements counterbalance its density, resulting in a beautifully balanced and lingering finish. 

Winemaking Notes
This is a signature Armenian reserve bottling—fermented in earthenware amphorae and aged in native oak, allowing both aroma and structure to reflect the unique terroir. Karas consistently honors national traditions while embracing modern refinement.   

Food Pairing
An ideal match for rich meats like lamb or goat, hearty stews, or rustic roasted fare. Its savory spine and mineral grip make it a compelling partner for bold, flavorful dishes.  

Verdict
Karas Reserve Areni-Sireni 2023 merges old-world tradition with contemporary elegance. Its bold personality, cultural authenticity, and structural harmony make it a compelling ambassador for Armenian wine history—truly memorable in every sip. Cheers! — a month ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Karas Malbec 2023
Ararat Valley, Armavir Region, Armenia 🇦🇲

Overview
A bold single-varietal 100% Malbec from Karas Winery, crafted in the sun-drenched Ararat Valley under the watchful gaze of Mount Ararat. The volcanic soils and continental climate—hot summers, cold winters, and nutrient-rich basalt—lend the wine distinctive character and regional authenticity  .

Aromas & Flavors
Rich aromas of ripe blackberry and dark plum, gently spiced and supported by nuances of tobacco and earth. On the palate—structured with smooth tannins, the fruit is accompanied by hints of five-spice and a whisper of savory complexity  .

Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied, with a polished texture and harmonious balance. The finish lingers with dark fruit and subtle spice—both generous and refined  .

Winemaking Notes
Hand-harvested and meticulously selected Malbec, fermented in controlled conditions, followed by malolactic fermentation in stainless steel to preserve freshness and varietal clarity .

Food Pairing
An ideal companion to grilled lamb, roasted duck, mushroom-rich dishes, or barbecued meats—this wine’s dense fruit and structured finish stand up beautifully to bold flavors.

Verdict
A compelling and expressive Armenian Malbec. It balances regional identity with depth and approachability, offering both terroir authenticity and enjoyable modern appeal. — a month ago

Martinez

9.0

My first Armenian wine. Made with Haghtanak grape, a Soviet-era hybrid between Armenian varietals and Georgian Saperavi. From vineyards in the Ararat Valley, 35 km west of Yerevan. Fermented in steel tanks and aged 7 months in Caucasian oak barrels. Dark ruby/purple color. Dark fruit, vanilla and oak on the nose. Some herbal notes. Full-bodied, big, quite bold and round on the palate. Pomegranate flavors. Tannic. Good value — 4 years ago