MOONQ is producing a small quantity of Nrneni, a rare Armenian variety, in the Ararat Valley at about 2,600′ elevation. They use no oak, so if you are lucky enough to find this wine, you will taste the pure expression of the grape. Tevan Poghosyan is the longtime winemaker who initiated this project.
In the glass, the wine is deep purple, fresh and young. I’m not familiar with the characteristics of this grape, but it reminds me of a full-bodied Carménère from Chile. This is a fruit-forward wine, with light to medium acidity and medium-plus tannins that linger on the palate. I assume Nrneni is a generally tannic grape, as no wood is used in aging, only stainless steel. It’s a big wine that’s drinkable now with food, especially beef and lamb kebabs or roast meats. I suggest holding for two to three years to let the wine evolve.