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! — 2 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler – Dornfelder 2023
Mosel – Germany 🇩🇪

Overview
100% Dornfelder, a German-born varietal developed in the 1950s and prized for its deep color and easy-drinking charm. From the steep Mosel slopes, this red offers a more approachable and fruit-forward style compared to the region’s classic Spätburgunder.

Aromas & Flavors
Bursts of black cherries, ripe plums, and blackberry jam mingle with floral hints of violets and a touch of baking spice. On the palate, it’s smooth and juicy with subtle notes of cocoa and a gentle earthy undertone.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with soft tannins and balanced acidity, making it supple and approachable. The finish is rounded and slightly sweet-fruited, highlighting its youthful charm.

Food Pairing
Pairs wonderfully with charcuterie, roast duck, BBQ pork, or even casual fare like burgers and pizza. Also a great “chillable red” option for warmer days.

Verdict
A friendly, fruit-driven red that showcases Dornfelder’s unique personality. Easygoing, versatile, and highly drinkable, perfect for those exploring beyond Germany’s traditional wines. It may be served a bit chilled in summer for an uplifting coolness, cheers!

Did you know?
Dornfelder is Germany’s second most planted red grape (after Spätburgunder/Pinot Noir). It was created in 1955 by crossing Helfensteiner and Heroldrebe, specifically to produce wines with deeper color than traditional German reds. — 2 days 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. — 3 days 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. — 2 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler – Riesling Auslese 2023
Bernkasteler Badstube, Mosel – Germany 🇩🇪

Overview
100% Riesling from the steep slopes of Bernkasteler Badstube, one of the celebrated Mosel vineyards known for slate soils and sunny ripening conditions.

Aromas & Flavors
Golden peach, apricot preserves, and honey mingle with citrus zest, floral hints, and a touch of spice. The sweetness is beautifully counterbalanced by a laser beam of Mosel acidity and underlying slate minerality.

Mouthfeel
Lush, silky, and concentrated on the palate, yet lifted with freshness. The finish is long, crystalline, and persistent, showing both richness and elegance.

Food Pairings
Pair with fruit tarts, blue cheese, foie gras, or enjoy on its own as a luxurious dessert wine.

Verdict
A superb Auslese, on the opulent side but precisely balanced and very elegant. Drink now for its vibrant charm or age for decades to reveal even deeper layers of complexity. Cheers! — 3 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Balthasar Ress – Riesling Feinherb 2023
Hattenheim, Rheingau – Germany 🇩🇪

Overview
100% Riesling from Hattenheim in the Rheingau, one of Germany’s most prestigious wine regions. “Feinherb” indicates an off-dry style—slightly sweeter than Trocken, but still balanced by acidity.

Aromas & Flavors
Lively nose of orchard fruits—ripe pear, green apple, and a hint of white peach—layered with delicate lime zest and floral touches. On the palate, the off-dry sweetness softens the zesty acidity, bringing a juicy, rounded mouthfeel with a clean mineral streak.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied, silky, and harmonious. The residual sugar balances the refreshing acidity, making it both vibrant and approachable.

Food Pairing
Versatile with spicy Thai or Indian dishes, sushi, roasted poultry, or creamy cheeses. That touch of residual sugar makes it a brilliant match for spice and umami.

Verdict
An elegant and expressive Riesling Feinherb from Rheingau—structured enough for serious enjoyment but easygoing enough to charm any palate. A great introduction to the beauty of balanced off-dry Riesling. Cheers!

Did you know?
“Feinherb” is not a legally defined category in German wine law but is widely used to describe wines that fall between Trocken (dry) and Halbtrocken (off-dry). It’s the winemaker’s way of signaling balance rather than strict dryness. — 3 days 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! — 3 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

8.9

Winterlandschaft – Glühwein (Mulled Wine)
Germany 🇩🇪

Overview
Glühwein is Germany’s traditional winter warmer, a spiced red wine typically enjoyed at Christmas markets. Unlike regular table wine, this one comes pre-spiced and ready to heat, just pour gently into a pot (don’t boil!) and serve steaming hot.

Aromas & Flavors
The nose bursts with festive spice, cinnamon sticks, cloves, orange zest, and a whisper of star anise. On the palate, it’s warming, slightly sweet, and packed with flavors of mulled cherries, baked apples, dried cranberries, and holiday spice medley.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with a velvety texture. The sweetness is balanced by the spice, creating a cozy, round mouthfeel that lingers with a warming finish.

Food Pairing
Perfect on its own as a winter treat. It also pairs with gingerbread cookies, roasted nuts, fruitcake, or savory bites like roasted sausages and cheese fondue.

Verdict
A ready-to-drink festive classic, cozy, nostalgic, and perfect for cold nights. It’s not meant for deep analysis but for pure enjoyment with friends around the fire or strolling through a Christmas market atmosphere. Cheers!

Did you know?
Glühwein literally means “glow-wine,” a name dating back to when it was heated with glowing red-hot irons in medieval times. Today, it’s a holiday tradition across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. — 2 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler – Riesling Spätlese 2022
Graacher Himmelreich, Mosel – Germany 🇩🇪

Overview
100% Riesling from the renowned Graacher Himmelreich vineyard in the Mosel Valley. Classified as Spätlese, this wine is made from later-harvested grapes, delivering greater ripeness, intensity, and natural sweetness balanced by Mosel’s signature acidity.

Aromas & Flavors
Expressive and aromatic with ripe apricot, peach, and honeydew melon, layered with citrus zest and hints of white flowers. The palate unfolds with honeyed richness, golden apple, and a touch of mineral-driven slate, typical of Mosel Riesling.

Mouthfeel
Lusciously textured yet never heavy. The vibrant acidity cuts through the sweetness, creating a refined balance that glides smoothly into a long, elegant finish.

Food Pairing
Perfect with spicy Asian dishes, foie gras, or creamy cheeses. Also a delightful companion to fruit-based desserts, or simply enjoyed on its own as a luxurious treat.

Verdict
A beautifully crafted Mosel Spätlese—juicy, vibrant, and elegant. This 2022 vintage shows the best of late-harvest Riesling: generous fruit, refined sweetness, and impeccable balance. Cheers!

Did you know?
“Graacher Himmelreich” translates to “Kingdom of Heaven of Graach.” This famed vineyard is known for its steep slopes of slate soil, which impart the crystalline minerality that makes Mosel Rieslings so unique. — 3 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!🥂 — 3 days ago