KOOR Wines

KOOR sources its grapes from the high-elevation vineyards of Vayots Dzor, one of Armenia's most distinctive wine regions. Vineyard elevations range from 950 to 1750 meters, producing a climate of hot, arid summers with cool nights and bitterly cold winters. This dramatic diurnal range preserves aromatic intensity and natural acidity in the grapes. Soils are volcanic sedimentary and limestone, providing excellent drainage and mineral character. Crucially, the region remains free from phylloxera, meaning vines are planted on their own roots, a rarity in the modern wine world.

• Elevations of 950 to 1750 meters ensure significant diurnal temperature variation
• Volcanic sedimentary and limestone soils define the mineral character of the wines
• Phylloxera-free status allows ungrafted, own-rooted vines throughout the region
• Hot, arid summers and cold winters create a challenging but high-quality growing environment

KOOR is built on a precise 50-50 blend of two indigenous Armenian varieties. Areni, rated as the country's best indigenous red variety, brings elegance, fruit, and subtlety to the wine. Sireni, also known as Khndoghni, contributes tannic structure and depth. Together, the two varieties create a wine that is both approachable and age-worthy. The complementary nature of these grapes reflects a deliberate winemaking philosophy rooted in showcasing Armenia's native viticultural heritage.

• Areni contributes elegance, fruit character, and aromatic subtlety
• Sireni (Khndoghni) provides tannic backbone and structural depth
• The blend is exactly 50-50, with neither variety dominating
• Both varieties are indigenous to Armenia and grown in Vayots Dzor

KOOR is produced by diaspora Armenians committed to preserving traditional Armenian winemaking. The name is a direct tribute to Armenian riverboat craftsmanship and wine merchantry, connecting the wine to a long history of trade and cultural identity. Vayots Dzor, where the grapes are sourced, is home to the Areni-1 Cave, which contains evidence of the oldest known winery in the world, dating to approximately 4100 BC. This context places KOOR within one of humanity's oldest continuous winemaking traditions.

• Produced by diaspora Armenians focused on preserving indigenous winemaking traditions
• The name honors Armenian riverboat craftsmanship and historic wine trade
• Areni-1 Cave in Vayots Dzor is the site of the world's oldest known winery, circa 4100 BC
• KOOR is made at Semina Consulting's Yerevan 'Incubator' winery

KOOR wines are produced at Semina Consulting's Yerevan 'Incubator' winery, a facility designed to support emerging Armenian producers. The standard KOOR bottling showcases the natural character of Areni and Sireni as a dry red blend. The Reserve version receives extended aging of over 20 months in French oak, adding complexity and structure while maintaining the varietal integrity of the indigenous grapes. This tiered approach allows the label to serve both accessible and collector-level markets.

• Production takes place at Semina Consulting's Yerevan 'Incubator' winery
• KOOR Reserve is aged over 20 months in French oak
• The wine style is dry red, showcasing indigenous Armenian varieties
• Highland Cellars and Eraskh Wine Co. are the producers behind the label