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. — 12 days ago

K L

9.2

Paul Hobbs Armenian wine. What an interesting treat. Would definitely get again. Drinks less oaky than a typical chard but super interesting. — 6 months ago

with Matt

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

Light ruby color with a garnet rim. Bright aromas of red berry fruit and a pleasant funkiness. Flavors of red cherry and plum with hints of black pepper, ash and minerals. Medium body and finish with well balanced acidity and alcohol. Smooth tannins. Underrated varietal. — 10 months ago

Neil Blaze

9.2

My first Armenian wine, which is not surprising since this is the only one that seems to be readily available in the US. Medium bodied, with red fruit and floral aromas on the nose. Darker fruit on the palate with some vanilla and spice flavors. Velvety texture. It took a bit to open up, but once it did I couldn't put my glass down. 95% Areni, 5% Tozot. 1/8/23. — 3 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Dzor Em Blanc – 2023
Aghavnadzor Village, Vayots Dzor – Armenia 🇦🇲

Overview
Crafted from indigenous Armenian white varieties grown at 1,520m altitude on volcanic basalt and limestone soils. Organic and from own-rooted vines (10 years old). This wine is all about terroir-driven expression, offering a distinct profile unlike any other.

Aromas & Flavors
Stone fruits (apricot, white peach), subtle citrus zest, and pronounced wet-stone minerality. Medium acidity with layers of tension, giving an intellectual edge.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied, textural, with a lively, slightly saline backbone. The volcanic influence pushes through on the finish with precision and grip.

Food Pairing
Ideal with grilled trout, dolma, or Mediterranean mezze spreads. It also pairs beautifully with salty cheeses like halloumi or feta.

Did You Know?
Armenia’s Vayots Dzor is one of the oldest winemaking regions in the world—archaeological finds date wine production here back over 6,000 years, with qvevri-style vessels similar to Georgia’s.

Verdict
A compelling, brainy wine—mineral-driven and thought-provoking. It might not be for everyone, but adventurous palates will revel in its volcanic intensity. Cheers! — 9 days ago

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! — a month ago

Chase Heibel

9.1

Clear pale yellow with crisp flavors of pear and honeysuckle with a hint of creaminess and strong minerality. This aromatic wine with its high acid, medium bod and clean but long finish is something I would definitely revisit again and again. This is a varietal and region worth continued exploration. — 2 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Bagratuni Blanc Reserve – 2022
Vayots Dzor – Armenia 🇦🇲

Overview
Blend: 70% Voskehat, 30% Khatun Kharji. Indigenous Armenian grapes grown in the high-altitude vineyards of Vayots Dzor. Aged for 6 months in Artsakh oak, giving the wine a uniquely regional identity.

Aromas & Flavors
An expressive white that immediately shows character. Notes of ripe pear, quince, and citrus peel mingle with almond and a subtle honeyed accent. The Artsakh oak adds a whisper of spice and texture without overpowering the fruit. Medium-bodied, fresh yet layered, with a long, mineral-inflected finish that leaves a lasting impression.

Mouthfeel
Smooth entry with a firm backbone, slightly waxy texture, and balanced acidity. The oak aging brings depth and roundness while preserving freshness.

Food Pairing
Pairs beautifully with aged cheeses, roasted poultry, grilled trout, or more adventurous pairings like herb-driven Mediterranean cuisine.

Verdict
A serious and distinctive white for wine adventurers. The Artsakh oak aging sets it apart from typical whites, showcasing the depth of Armenia’s indigenous grapes. A bottle that both educates and surprises. Cheers!

Did you know?
Voskehat is often called the “Queen of Armenian Grapes,” prized for its age-worthy potential. Khatun Kharji, a rarer variety, brings aromatic lift and texture to the blend. — 9 days ago

Peter Sultan

9.1

No notes. Silky white flower palate, medium bodied, mineral core. Saludos Armenia!! Paired beautifully with spicy white bean stew with Harissa & jalepeno. Was inspired after watching Somm 4, which documents an Armenian iconoclast fighting the odds to revive his native wine culture. — 9 months ago

with Owen

Brent Clayton

9.0

Juicy red blue fruits. Really interesting — a year ago