Team C&J
Made entirely from Areni, an indigenous Armenian variety, this sparkling rosé is both a modern interpretation of Armenia’s volcanic terroir and a celebration of its deep-rooted wine culture.
With its crisp minerality and refined balance, the wine offers a sophisticated drinking experience. Retailing at $34, it combines an accessible price point with a unique profile, earning it a respectable score of 89 from our tasting panel and an average Vivino rating of 3.8.
The Areni grape, a variety that thrives in Armenia’s high-altitude vineyards, is the star of this sparkling rosé. Indigenous to the region, Areni has a rich history spanning millennia and is celebrated for its ability to adapt to the extremes of Vayots Dzor’s mountainous climate. At elevations exceeding 1,750 meters, these vineyards are some of the highest in the world, where volcanic soils infuse the fruit with crisp acidity and a mineral backbone.
This unique terroir is pivotal to the Keush Cuvée Chouchanne’s character. Volcanic soils and intense sunlight create optimal ripening conditions for Areni, resulting in grapes that are expressive yet balanced. The altitude further contributes to the wine’s freshness and vivacity, hallmarks of high-elevation sparkling wines.
Vahe and Aimee Keushguerian, the visionaries behind Keush, have positioned themselves as ambassadors of Armenia’s rich winemaking heritage. Their dedication to indigenous varieties and sustainable viticulture reflects a deep respect for the region’s potential.
By championing Areni and leveraging the unique conditions of Vayots Dzor, the Keushguerians are not only preserving Armenia’s vinous legacy but also pushing its boundaries. The Cuvée Chouchanne is a shining example of their innovative approach, bridging ancient traditions with modern winemaking techniques.
The sparkling rosé is produced using the traditional method, a technique renowned for its meticulous craft and ability to yield complex sparkling wines. This method, which involves a second fermentation in the bottle, enhances the wine’s textural finesse and depth.
The absence of oak aging allows the Areni grape’s natural characteristics to shine through, emphasizing its delicate fruit and crisp minerality. The result is a sparkling wine that is elegant yet approachable, with a focus on precision and purity.
Appearance: In the glass, the Keush Cuvée Chouchanne Extra Brut Rosé is a visual delight. The pale, lemon-hued liquid sparkles with clarity, reflecting the wine’s purity and finesse. A fine, persistent mousse adds to the wine’s allure, promising an effervescent drinking experience.
Nose: On the nose, the wine offers an enticing bouquet of brioche, green apple, and zesty lemon. The medium-intensity aromas strike a balance between primary fruit and subtle autolytic notes from its time on lees. These hints of brioche lend a sophisticated edge, while the citrus and orchard fruit notes bring brightness and energy.
Palate: The palate delivers on the aromatic promise, with flavors of crisp green apple, lemon zest, and a touch of brioche. The wine is dry, with a medium acidity that provides freshness without overwhelming the fruit. Its body is unexpectedly full for a sparkling rosé, a nod to the depth and structure Areni can offer.
The flavor intensity is pronounced, and the wine finishes with remarkable length. Hints of minerality and a gentle yeasty complexity linger, creating a satisfying and layered aftertaste.
The 2018 Keush Cuvée Chouchanne Extra Brut Rosé offers a fresh perspective for wine enthusiasts eager to explore beyond the classic regions. While its scores and ratings suggest room for improvement, the wine’s distinctiveness lies in its authenticity and sense of place.
For those seeking a sparkling rosé with a story, the Keush Cuvée Chouchanne delivers. It invites drinkers on a journey to Armenia, offering a glimpse of its ancient terroir through a modern lens. In a world saturated with predictable sparkling wines, this bottle stands out as a testament to the diversity and potential of Armenia’s wine renaissance.
Armenia
Vayots Dzor
Areni
12
Vahe and Aimee Keushguerian
49–55°F / 9–12°C
Chardonnay
N/A
Now to 2026
Keush
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