My regular readers know I’ve been on a bit of a journey of exploration of wines from Greece. They have some unique grapes and old world methods that makes this a eye opening experience. Recently I attended the Wines of Greece event and had this one straight off … The grape is called Saint George – Agiorgitiko. The wine is inky dark in color with a rich red cherry nose. On the mid palate the wine displays some lovely red cherries to match the nose backed almost immediately by firm bold tannins and acidity. This is a shockingly BIG wine. A palate bruiser. The 2014 is a bit young (previous one in the market was a 2010) and it has lots of time left in the bottle. You may want to decant it. The complexity of the wine is quite impressive. I would give this wine an 88+, but only if you like your wines big. And be sure and pair it with something hearty, so it has a chance of standing up to this wine. Very impressive. Currently not in the LCBO but available from Kolonaki for $24.95 a bottle, by the case of 12. Wow …
From the winery’s web site for the 2010:
Type: Red dry, V.Q.P.R.D. Nemea
Production: 70.000 bottles
Producer: A. & G. Papaioannou – GR 20500 Ancient Nemea/Corinthia
Area of production: Nemea / Peloponnese
Grape varieties: Aghiorghitiko 100%
Vinification – Bottling: At the family winery in Ancient Nemea
Gastronomic aspects: It is characterized by complex and rich aroma of red fruits, butter and caramel. Its taste is balanced and rich in tannins. Perfect with rich red meat.
Serving temperature: 17 – 18 degrees
Type of vinification – maturing: Classical red fermentation. It is aged for one year in oak barrel and continues to mature in the bottle for six months. It can be aged for ten years.
