“The World Needs to See Armenia More Often”: CMB Judge and Wine Expert Chinedu Rita Rosa on the Wines, the People and the Country That Surprised International Experts

She came to Armenia to judge wines, but left deeply impressed by the people, the atmosphere and a country that, in her words, “completely overwhelmed” international experts. Chinedu Rita Rosa, a jury member of Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, entrepreneur and wine expert from Bordeaux, told NEWS.am STYLE that her trip to Armenia became one of the warmest and most memorable experiences of the competition.

Rosa, who became the first Nigerian woman to establish a wine export consulting company in France, has spent years working at the intersection of the European and African wine markets. She arrived in Yerevan as a jury member of Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, which is being held in Armenia for the first time. In just a few days, she not only tasted dozens of Armenian wines, but also genuinely connected with the country’s hospitality, wine culture and ancient history – one that, as she admitted, the world still knows far too little about.

What overall impression did Armenia leave on you? What was this experience like?

“Armenia turned out to be incredibly welcoming. We had an amazing time. The people here are so warm and kind, and we truly got to experience Armenian culture firsthand. The food was incredible, everything was organized at a very high level. I especially want to mention the young Armenians who accompanied us throughout the trip – they were unbelievably attentive and caring.

“And of course, the competition chose an extraordinary place to host the event. Wines of Armenia, led by Zaruhi, are doing tremendous work. We tasted truly outstanding Armenian wines. And honestly, your spirits impressed us too.”

Why do you think this competition is so important and influential for the global wine industry?

“This is my first time serving as a judge at this competition, and it has been an incredible experience. People from all over the world are gathered here – and not only sommeliers or winemakers. That’s very important. In the wine industry, you need to understand the opinions of many different people: consumers, marketers, journalists, insiders and outsiders alike.

“Competitions like this help create a complete picture of what’s happening in the wine world. And we need more diverse voices: more women, women from different cultures and backgrounds, people with different tastes and experiences. I think Concours Mondial de Bruxelles understands this extremely well.

“And honestly, Armenia needed a competition like this. Many of us in France, and in the West generally, know Armenians, know Armenian brandy, but know very little about Armenian wine. This event became a huge opportunity to show the world what the country is capable of.

“We saw magnificent wineries, high-level technology and stunning wines. Some of the samples were simply breathtaking. But the most beautiful thing was the people – how hospitable they are, how warmly they welcomed us. The mothers preparing food and coffee for us… I truly believe the world needs to see Armenia more often to understand what a warm and beautiful country this is. The culture, the history – everything is extraordinary. I knew so little about Armenia before… and now I even have friends here! So I will absolutely return.”

What impressed you most about Armenian winemaking?

“Oh, first of all… its age! When we traveled to Areni, into the mountains, and literally touched history, it was incredible. Every winery here has its own fascinating story that the world knows almost nothing about. And I feel that history, technology and knowledge have all converged here in one place.

“For the wine industry, it’s extremely important to recognize that Armenia stands at the very forefront of wine history, especially when it comes to amphorae. We’re talking about some of the oldest amphorae ever discovered, while at the same time modern wines are being created here. That’s a truly fascinating and important situation.

“I was also amazed by the local grape varieties. Some wines unexpectedly reminded me of wines from Verona or Valpolicella. That’s fascinating because unfamiliar grape varieties suddenly evoke very familiar flavor associations.

“And of course, the wines themselves were wonderful. Over these few days, we tasted a huge number of Armenian wines, and I’m sure I’ll now be looking for them outside Armenia as well. And I hope we’ll continue seeing them more often at Concours Mondial de Bruxelles and other international tastings.”

Do you think Armenia has the potential to become a more visible player on the international wine market?

“Oh, I see enormous potential. Because there are so many young people here who are incredibly dedicated to what they do. We met amazing people, young winemakers, and that’s very inspiring. Today, younger generations need to rediscover their wine culture and history, and in Armenia that process is already happening. So I’m convinced Armenia will secure its place on the global market – not only in wine, but also in spirits.

“But the world needs to learn more about Armenia. The country needs to continue inviting importers, experts and journalists here, just as it has done now. People simply don’t know Armenia. And the only way to truly discover it is to come here and see it with your own eyes. I even discussed this with your Minister of Economy: Armenia needs to keep bringing international importers here. Because people simply don’t know the country until they experience it firsthand, the way we did.

“For many of us, this visit became a real revelation. There are 352 judges from all over the world gathered here, and now every one of them will leave with a completely different perception of Armenian wine. And I think that’s the best path forward for Armenia – to continue opening itself to the world.”

By Liana Aghajanyan