Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Karas Reserve Blend 2016 — Mount Ararat, Armenia 🇦🇲

Overview
A sophisticated Old-World inspired blend grown in the Armavir region at the foothills of Mount Ararat. Aged in Armenian oak. Composition: Syrah 35%, Malbec 35%, Cabernet Franc 20%, Tannat 10%. A wine rooted in one of the world’s most ancient winemaking cultures — 6,200 years in the making.

Aromas & Flavors
Red compote, black plum, dried cherry, subtle baking spice, cedar, and a hint of earthy volcanic dust. Layers unfold slowly with touches of cocoa and dried herbs.

Mouthfeel
Medium-plus body, beautifully integrated tannins, silky and rounded. Balanced acidity with mature harmony from bottle age. Structured yet graceful, nothing sharp, everything in sync.

Food Pairings
Lamb kebabs, grilled eggplant, slow-braised short ribs, aged Gouda, or spiced Middle Eastern dishes.

Verdict
Worth the wait. The 2016 vintage shows evolution, composure, and balance. A blend that overdelivers, polished, expressive, and deeply satisfying. A reminder that Armenia is not just historic… it’s seriously compelling in the glass.

Did You Know?
Armenia is considered one of the birthplaces of wine. The Areni-1 cave complex revealed the world’s oldest known winery, dating back over 6,000 years.

🍷 Personal Pick
Holding this bottle paid off. A mature, balanced Armenian blend that danced on the palate and proved patience is sometimes the best decanter.
— 2 months ago

Dmitry Teytelman

9.0

Well balanced, but much sweeter than New World Cabernets. Notes of plum and black currant lingering peppery finish — 6 months ago

with Eugenia

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Gevorkian “Hay” Pét-Nat Areni Rosé 2023
Vayots Dzor, Armenia 🇦🇲

Overview
Made using the ancestral méthode pétillant naturel (Pét-Nat), this lively rosé from Gevorkian Winery offers a fresh spin on ancient Armenian tradition. Crafted from 100% Areni, Armenia’s acclaimed indigenous red grape, grown in the high-altitude, volcanic soils of Vayots Dzor, it beautifully bridges heritage and modern curiosity.  

Aromas & Flavors
A charming pale pink with delicate bubbles. It opens with floral notes and wild meadow flowers, followed by juicy raspberry, strawberry, and red currant. The palate is energized by bright acidity and a silky texture, finishing with a lingering raspberry flourish.  

Mouthfeel
Light, vivacious, and refreshing—elegant bubbles and invigorating acidity enhance its joyful, effortless character. Perfect as a palate cleanser or celebratory pour.  

Winemaking Notes
Pét-Nat style means natural fermentation starts in tank or barrel and finishes in-bottle, creating subtle effervescence without added yeast or sugar. It’s a minimal-intervention wine that stays true to its varietal and soil.  

Food Pairing
A delightful match for fresh spring salads, mezze, sushi, grilled seafood, or light cheeses. Its lively character also makes it perfect for sipping solo or lifting casual gatherings.  

Verdict
Hay Pét-Nat Areni Rosé 2023 is a radiant and expressive natural sparkling wine that puts Armenia—and its revered Areni grape—on the global pét-nat map. A playful, terroir-rich sipper with roots in one of the world’s oldest winemaking cultures. Cheers! — 7 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

8.9

KEF by Karas White 2023, Armavir, Armenia 🇦🇲

Overview
A lively and approachable white blend from the Armavir region in Armenia’s Ararat Valley. Produced by the team behind Karas Wines, this wine blends 60% Kangun (an indigenous Armenian grape) with 40% Chenin Blanc, combining local heritage with international structure. The name “Kef” derives from the Armenian word for feast or celebration, reflecting the wine’s convivial and easy-drinking spirit.

Aromas & Flavors
Fresh grapefruit, white flowers, citrus peel, and subtle mineral notes. The Chenin Blanc adds brightness and lift while Kangun contributes texture and gentle orchard-fruit character.

Mouthfeel
Light to medium-bodied with crisp acidity and refreshing vibrancy. Smooth and clean on the palate with a lively, food-friendly finish.

Food Pairings
Mediterranean mezze, grilled vegetables, seafood, fresh salads, herb-driven dishes, or light poultry.

Verdict
A fun and compelling blend that highlights Armenia’s indigenous Kangun while remaining accessible through Chenin Blanc’s familiar structure. Underrated, refreshing, and very easy to enjoy.

Did You Know?
Armenia is considered one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world, with winemaking traditions dating back more than 6,000 years, including the discovery of the world’s oldest known winery in the Areni cave complex.

🍷 Personal Pick
A vibrant and joyful wine that delivers authenticity and approachability at the same time. A great introduction to Armenian whites while still showcasing the personality of Kangun. — a month ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Armas Estate – Uru Uu Karmrahyut 2015
Aragatsotn Province, Armenia 🇦🇲

Overview
Made from 100% Karmrahyut, an indigenous Armenian tenturier grape (red pulp as well as skin), this bottling from Armas Estate shows just how approachable and crowd-pleasing ancient varietals can be when crafted with precision.

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe cherry, plum, and pomegranate notes mingle with subtle floral tones and earthy undertones. A touch of spice and soft herbs lift the nose, while the palate is juicy, silky, and surprisingly elegant for such a deeply pigmented grape.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with rounded tannins, approachable acidity, and a smooth finish that makes this red both distinctive and easy to love.

Winemaking Notes
Armas Estate, founded by the Armas family, is dedicated to reviving Armenia’s indigenous grapes through modern yet respectful techniques. Karmrahyut—rare outside Armenia—offers naturally high pigment and structure, but here it’s crafted for charm as much as power.

Food Pairing
Pairs beautifully with lamb kebabs, roasted vegetables, dolma, and aged Armenian cheeses.

Verdict
A true expression of Armenian heritage made modern, this 2015 Uru Uu is a gem for wine adventurers and an approachable introduction to Armenia’s native reds.

Personal Pick Highlight
I had the privilege of hosting a class with Victoria Aslanian herself—one of the estate’s owners—which made this bottle not just delicious, but deeply memorable. — 7 months ago

John Bratincevic

8.9

High acidity. Pepper(s) — both the spice and the vegetables. 89. — 2 years ago

Andrew Formi

9.0

Erin! Your heritage — 5 months ago

Pablo

9.1

Very nice. Herbal and spices. — 5 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Alluria – Rosé Blend (Areni, Tozot, Milagh) / 2023
Vayots Dzor – Armenia 🇦🇲

Overview
A striking natural rosé crafted from a rare blend of indigenous Armenian grapes Areni, Tozot, and Milagh, using ancestral winemaking methods. This bottle truly stands apart from the typical rosé landscape, redefining expectations.

Aromas & Flavors
Complex layers of wild strawberries, biscuit, grain yeast, sorghum, and a faint herbal earthiness, all mingling with a savory depth that feels almost otherworldly.

Mouthfeel
Textured and multidimensional, with both freshness and an earthy, slightly oxidative richness. Balanced acidity keeps it lively, while the ancestral method adds a tactile, grainy edge.

Food Pairings
Pairs beautifully with charcuterie, grilled trout, roasted root vegetables, or even grain-based dishes like farro salad. It also shines as a contemplative sip on its own.

Verdict
Among all rosés, this is truly singular, transcendent, complex, and unforgettable. Not just a wine, but an experience.

Did You Know?
Armenia is home to over 400 indigenous grape varieties, many of which are being rediscovered and revived by small, pioneering producers. Wines like this Alluria Rosé showcase both ancient tradition and bold innovation.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This rosé felt like no other, a revelation. For me, it stands as one of the most memorable rosé tastings ever, transcending into another dimension. — 6 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Gevorkian Winery, Makhani Reserve 2019
Armenia 🇦🇲

Overview
A bold red blend of indigenous Armenian grapes — Areni, Haghtanak, Kakhet, and Karmrahyut — crafted using the ancient Kakhani method (three-month grape withering before vinification). This traditional approach, combined with aging in Armenian oak, makes it one of the most unique expressions of Armenia’s resurgent wine culture.

Aromas & Flavors
The nose opens with withered grapes and candied fruits, layered with blackberry jam, prunes, vanilla, and powdered cocoa. The palate continues with rich black fruits, mahogany, and leather, while notes of spice and dark chocolate build depth.

Mouthfeel
Robust, full-bodied, with structured tannins and pleasant acidity. It carries warmth from its high alcohol (16% ABV), bordering on fortified in style. Multilayered and powerful, the wine evolves in the glass but benefits from extended air contact.

Winemaking Notes
Aged 6 months in new Armenian oak, then an additional 18 months in seasoned barrels. This unique use of century-old oak imparts a distinct, rustic backbone. 2019 is drinkable now but will likely show best by 2027.

Food Pairing
Pairs beautifully with fatty steaks, venison, matured cheeses, cream-based desserts, or even high-cocoa dark chocolate (75–85%). Its powerful structure makes it highly versatile for bold gastronomy.

Verdict
A muscular, complex red that captures Armenia’s ancient heritage and modern ambition in winemaking. A true statement wine — unforgettable and worth cellaring. — 9 months ago