Karas White Wine

Karas White Wine is a dry Armenian white blend of Kangun, Chardonnay, and Viognier at 13.5% ABV in a 750ml bottle. Produced from hand-harvested grapes grown in the volcanic soils of the Ararat Valley, this wine earned a Silver medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards for its 2015 vintage and has scored as high as 90/100 from critics.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Armavir Region, Ararat Valley, Armenia  |  Blend: Kangun 50%, Chardonnay 40%, Viognier 10%  |  Winery: Karas

Production & Heritage

Karas Wines was established by Eduardo and Juliana Del Aguila Eurnekian in Armenia's Armavir region, with the winery name translating to "amphora" in Armenian — a reference to the sacred clay vessels used in Armenian winemaking for roughly 6,000 years. The grapes are grown in volcanic soils shaped by Mount Ararat's ancient volcanic activity and benefit from the consultancy of renowned Bordeaux winemaker Michel Rolland. Production follows a meticulous path: manual harvest, selection table sorting, gentle pressing, 24-hour decantation, and a controlled 20-day fermentation at 14–16°C in stainless steel tanks, preserving the fruit's freshness and aromatic clarity.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with restrained floral and stone fruit notes, leaning toward the quieter, more delicate end of the aromatic spectrum. White peach and subtle citrus blossom emerge as the wine breathes.

Taste: On the palate, the entry is dry and crisp with bright acidity that immediately recalls the mineral-rich volcanic terroir. Mid-palate, a smooth, medium-bodied texture develops with gentle orchard fruit and a touch of Viognier's rounded character. The Kangun grape contributes a distinctive tangy backbone not found in most international blends.

Finish: The finish is clean, elegant, and moderately lengthy with lingering citrus peel and a subtle mineral undertone. Delicate acidity carries through, keeping the wine balanced and refreshing on the close.

How to Drink Karas White

Serve chilled to 8–10°C to highlight the wine's crisp acidity and aromatic nuance; this is a white that drinks beautifully on its own without needing any embellishment. For cocktail-curious drinkers, the blend's structure also works well in a White Wine Spritzer, where the bright acidity holds up against soda water and a citrus twist; a Kir, where the dry profile provides the ideal counterpoint to a splash of crème de cassis; and a Sangria Blanca, where the stone fruit aromatics and medium body contribute depth and balance to the fruit-forward punch.

Best For

• Introducing a wine-curious friend to Armenian winemaking
• Warm-weather dining on a patio or terrace
• Pairing with a Mediterranean or Middle Eastern mezze spread
• Gifting to an adventurous wine drinker exploring emerging regions

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Karas White taste like? Karas White is a dry, crisp white wine with bright acidity, moderate body, and flavors of stone fruit, citrus peel, and subtle minerality. The overall impression is smooth and elegant, with a flavor profile comparable to a well-made Pinot Grigio.

How does Karas White compare to Pinot Grigio? Both wines share a dry, acid-driven profile with clean, food-friendly character, but Karas White distinguishes itself through its use of the indigenous Armenian Kangun grape (50% of the blend) and a volcanic terroir that adds mineral complexity not typically found in standard Italian Pinot Grigio. The addition of Viognier also lends a slightly rounder mid-palate than most Pinot Grigios deliver.

Is Karas White good for sipping on its own? Yes — its balanced acidity, medium body, and elegant finish make it a very approachable wine to drink by itself, especially when served well-chilled. The blend was designed for freshness and drinkability, which comes through clearly.

Where is Karas White made? Karas White is produced at the Karas winery in the Armavir region of Armenia's Ararat Valley, where the vineyards sit on ancient volcanic soils influenced by Mount Ararat. The winery was founded by Eduardo and Juliana Del Aguila Eurnekian and works with celebrated Bordeaux consultant Michel Rolland.

What foods pair well with Karas White? Grilled chicken or fish benefit from the wine's acidity cutting through richness. Hummus and tabbouleh echo the wine's Mediterranean character. Mild goat cheese complements the citrus and mineral notes. Sushi and lighter seafood dishes pair naturally with the crisp, clean profile. Fresh salads with stone fruit and nuts mirror the wine's aromatic qualities.

What sizes does Karas White come in? Karas White is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Karas White worth the price? Karas White positions as a mid-range value wine that punches above its weight — a Silver medal from the Decanter World Wine Awards and scores reaching 90/100 place it alongside wines that often cost considerably more. For drinkers seeking quality and a genuine point of difference from mainstream whites, it represents strong value.

Why Karas White?

What sets this wine apart is its blend of the indigenous Armenian Kangun grape with Chardonnay and Viognier — a combination rarely seen outside Armenia that delivers a flavor profile both familiar and genuinely distinct. The volcanic Ararat Valley terroir contributes a mineral acidity that reflects 6,000 years of Armenian viticultural heritage, while Michel Rolland's involvement signals serious winemaking ambition. With Decanter and Mundus Vini Silver medals behind it and critic scores reaching 90 points, Karas White stands as one of the most accessible and compelling introductions to Armenian wine available today.