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. — 22 days ago

Sam Friedland

9.0

Very special white wine, restrained fruits , acidity and alcohol. Went well with pan fried pacific sole. — 4 years ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

Charmat Method bubbly from Armenia. Made from the hybrid Kangun grape. Light straw gold color with a slight greenish hue. Aromas of pear, white flowers and honey. Fresh pear fruit on the pallet with light notes of citrus and marzipan. Nice fine mousse. Racy acidity. Pleasant surprise. — 4 years ago

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. — 6 months 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! — 7 months 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! — 6 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Noravank Blanc – 2023
Vayots Dzor – Armenia 🇦🇲

Overview
Crafted from a blend of indigenous Kangun, Khatun Kharji, and Aligoté grapes grown in the high-altitude vineyards of Vayots Dzor, this wine showcases the unique expression of Armenia’s mountainous terroir. The elevation and rocky soils bring both aromatic intensity and vibrant freshness.

Aromas & Flavors
Stone fruits lead the way, with peach and apricot layered alongside subtle citrus zest. There’s an underlying floral lift and a faint mineral edge that speaks to its high-altitude origins.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with a noticeable texture and lively tension. The acidity keeps it crisp, while the finish lingers with a clean, slightly savory note.

Food Pairings
Pairs beautifully with Mediterranean mezze, grilled fish, roasted vegetables, and salty cheeses like feta or halloumi.

Verdict
A harmonious and expressive Armenian white — distinctive, textured, and aromatic. A real discovery for those exploring indigenous grapes.

Did You Know?
The rare Khatun Kharji grape is unique to Armenia and seldom found outside the Vayots Dzor region. Blending it with Kangun and Aligoté reflects both heritage and experimentation, offering a modern take on Armenia’s ancient winemaking roots. — 6 months ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.9

50% Kangun (native Armenian varietal), 40% Chardonnay and 10% Viognier. Dark gold color with some green hints. Aromas and flavors of citrus, pears, peaches and pineapple. Hint of white flowers on the spicy finish. Medium to full bodied white reminiscent of a Rhône White Blend. (Due to the Viognier?). Interesting. — 5 years ago