Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Koghba – Koghbeni Grape / Reserve Red / 2021
Tavush Region – Armenia 🇦🇲

Overview
Crafted from the rare indigenous Koghbeni grape, this Reserve is produced through a meticulous process: clusters are left hanging on the vine until reaching ~26% sugar concentration, then undergo a slow, complex fermentation. The wine is aged for at least one year in lightly toasted barrels, followed by another year in bottle before release. Quantities are extremely limited, making this a collector’s gem.

Aromas & Flavors
Rich notes of dried plum, raisin, and black fig interlace with cocoa, leather, and a whisper of spice. The extended hang time brings concentrated, almost Amarone-like depth, while still holding its Armenian mountain freshness.

Mouthfeel
Velvety and full-bodied with an elegant balance of natural sweetness and tannic grip. Long, persistent finish with raisiny echoes and warm spice tones.

Food Pairings
Perfect alongside braised short ribs, lamb shanks, beef stew, or aged cheeses like Manchego or Motal.

Verdict
A powerful, distinctive expression of Armenia’s winemaking tradition. Think of it as Armenia’s answer to Amarone or Ripasso, yet rooted in its own terroir and grape heritage.

Did You Know?
The Koghbeni grape is indigenous to Armenia and almost unknown outside its local terroir. The technique of drying grapes on the vine before vinification mirrors the ancient methods that gave rise to Italy’s Amarone, showing how old-world traditions can emerge independently across cultures.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This wine is remarkable not only for its scarcity but also for how it bridges familiar Amarone-like notes with an Armenian identity. A genuine standout worth savoring slowly. — 10 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Koghba – Lalvari / 2023
Tavush – Armenia 🇦🇲

Overview
A rare dry white wine made from the indigenous Armenian grape Lalvari, cultivated in the Tavush region. This wine highlights Armenia’s deep viticultural history while offering a modern, crisp profile.

Aromas & Flavors
Fresh citrus and green apple upfront, layered with floral notes of mountain blossoms, subtle wild herbs, and a mineral edge that reflects its highland terroir.

Mouthfeel
Lively, vibrant acidity with a clean, refreshing structure. Medium-bodied yet airy, finishing with a delicate herbal lift.

Food Pairings
Best served alongside grilled fish, seafood pasta, roast chicken, or soft tangy cheeses like goat cheese.

Verdict
A bright, expressive white that celebrates Armenia’s indigenous heritage, both approachable and distinctively terroir-driven,
grapes like Lalvari are part of a movement to revive and showcase Armenia’s ancient varieties on the global stage. Cheers! — 10 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Koghba – Dry White Wine
Koghb, Tavush Province – Armenia 🇦🇲

Overview
A serious and complex white crafted from 70% Banants and 30% Rkatsiteli, two indigenous Armenian grapes. This blend from Tavush province leans into oxidative winemaking, giving it a bold and distinctive style that recalls Sherry Fino — but without the solera system, making it unmistakably Armenian.

Aromas & Flavors
Nutty, oxidative layers of almonds and walnuts unfold with ripe banana and subtle orchard fruit. A savory, mineral streak and a faint touch of salinity frame the wine, creating depth and intrigue.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and textural, with oxidative tension driving through the mid-palate. The finish is long, persistent, and contemplative — it keeps your palate engaged well beyond the sip.

Food Pairing
Ideal with aged cheeses, roasted nuts, and Mediterranean mezze. Adventurous drinkers will enjoy it alongside sushi or earthy mushroom dishes.

Verdict
A thought-provoking white wine that blends indigenous grapes with oxidative character. Not for the casual sipper, but for wine explorers and Sherry lovers, it’s a rare and rewarding find. Cheers!🥂 — a month ago