PGITI Wine Group Meeting November 10, 2012 Host: Susan and Emanuel Fakoukakis
Greek Wines
Greece Greece is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world. The earliest evidence of Greek wine has been dated to 6,500 years ago where wine was produced on a household or communal basis. In ancient times, as trade in wine became extensive, it was transported from end to end of the Mediterranean; Greek wine had especially high prestige in Italy under the Roman Empire. In the medieval period, wines exported from Crete, Monemvasia and other Greek ports fetched high prices in northern Europe. The Greek appellation system categorizes wines as: Onomasia Proelefsis Anoteras Piotitas (O.P.A.P.), corresponds to Appellations of Origin of Superior Quality. Onomasia Proelefsis Elenchomeni (O.P.E.), corresponds to Controlled Appellations of Origin. Topikos Oinos, corresponds to Vin de pays. Epitrapezios Oinos, corresponds to Vin de table, or table wine Cava, aging 2 years for Cava white and 3 years for Cava red. Retsina, a traditional wine, flavored with resin. From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/greek_wine
Wine regions of Greece Wine has been an important part of Greek culture for over 4000 years as the numerous archeological discoveries throughout Greece indicate. The ancient Greeks knew well the nutritional value of wine as it became an inseparable part of their daily regimen. They loved to organize intellectual gatherings called "symposia" where they would eat and talk about philosophical subjects while drinking wine. Our ancestors also realized the important influence of the local ecosystem on the characteristics of wine. They traded their wines throughout the ancient world inside sealed amphorae and even created their own Appellations of Origin. In recent years, the Greek wine industry has undergone tremendous improvements with serious investments in modern wine making technology. The new generation of native winemakers is being trained in the best wine schools around the world and their efforts are paying off as Greek wines continue to receive the highest awards in international competitions as well as the recognition they deserve throughout the world. What makes Greek wine so unique are the more than 300 indigenous grape varieties grown there, some of which have been cultivated since ancient times. Many of the world s best wine critics agree that the distinct flavors that come from these native grape varieties are a strong marketing advantage for the Greek wine industry. Many well-known international grape varieties are also used in Greek wine making. This extensive variety of grapes together with the moderate Greek climate, plentiful sunshine, low average rainfall and soils of moderate fertility combine to provide an excellent environment for the production of high quality wines. http://www.allaboutgreekwine.com/regions.htm
GRAPE VARIETIES The Greek winemakers have remained, in very large part, loyal to their native grape varieties which number around 250. Many of the varieties still grown today in the Greek vineyards are mentioned in the texts of antiquity. And it is this loyalty to the original Grape varieties Varieties that has given a certain distinctiveness to the Greek wines. Some of the most important indigenous grape varieties are: White: Assyrtiko, Athiri, Muscat blanc a petits grains, Rhoditis, Savatiano, Vilana. Blanc de Gris: Moschofilero Red: Agiorgitiko, Kotsifali, Mandilaria, Mavrodaphne
9 Muses Muses Estate 2010 Greece This wine has 12.9 % vol. and Eastgate Jungle Jim s sells it for $ 14.99. Varietals: 50% Assyrtiko, 30% Trebbiano, and 20% Sauvignon Blanc Assyrtiko is the varietal that has brought glory to the island of Santorini, where it is renowned for its high acidity, crisp mineral flavors, and long aging capability. In hotter, more fertile soils such as that of Thiva, where this wine is cultified the grape produces plumped, more citrus notes. Trebbiano Blanc, meanwhile, is the second most planted grape in the world, and in the 9 Muses White, it provides a good deal of the crisp, clean finish. The Sauvignon Blanc, meanwhile gives off traditional grassy notes, andfits right into the acidic foot-print of this wine. Tasting Notes: An explosive combination of Assyrtiko, Trebbiano, and Sauvignon Blanc give this wine a bright blonde color with greenish hues. It has an intensely floral-fruit bouquet, and a rounded, balanced body with a medium-long finish. It would be an ideal accompaniment to fresh grilled fish, shellfish, green vegetables, and fresh summer fruit. From: http://www.sonatawine.com/portfolio/9-muses-white/
Flowerface Moscato Bianco 2011 Bulgaria This wine has 13 % vol. and Z Place sells it for $ 8.99. FlowerFace, translated from the Azeri name "Gulbanis", is a tribute to our vineyard and its founders. FlowerFace wines are hand picked, making each batch a limited supply. Our variety of FlowerFace Moscato Blanco is unique, dry, and poses as very light and elegant, with great fruit character, and a flowery bouquet. From: http://flowerfacewine.com/flowerface/
VENI VIDI VICI VINI 2009 Bulgaria This wine has 13.0 % vol. and Z Place sells it for $ 8.99. Deep ruby color. Aromas of toasty black raspberry pie follow through on a round, supple entry to a dryish medium body with very good balance and light elegant depth. Finishes with a drying, powdery tannin fade. A very nice table wine. From: http://www.bulgarianwine.com/vinimerlot2000.html
Notios Peloponnese P.G.I., Dry Red 2010 Greece This wine has 13.5 % vol. and Eastgate Jungle Jim s sells it for $ 14.99. Our NOTIOS Red (Notios in Greek it means the Southerner ) is produced from selected Agiorgitiko grapes of exceptional maturity that are cultivated in lowyield, non-irrigated vineyards on the hills surrounding Nemea wine region. The careful winemaking in our modern winery results in a deeply coloured wine with refreshing acidity, velvety mouth feel and intense and persistent aromas of ripe red fruit with elegant notes of butter caramel. This is a wine that can be kept in the cellar for 2-3 years. Enjoy it with flavours of medium to high intensity at 14oC during hot summer months and at 16oC during winter. From: http://www.gaia-wines.gr/en/products/notios-red
Diamond Rock Diamantakis Winery 2008 Crete This wine has 14.0 % vol. and Eastgate Jungle Jim s sells it for $ 19.99. Composition: 70% Syrah, 30% Mandilaria Description: Mandilari is an ancient red grape variety that has been grown in the Aegaen islands for thousands of years. Crete s steep mountainous terroir and close proximity to the warm Mediterranean and Aegean Seas provide the ideal conditions for this indigenous grape. It has deep red coloring, medium body, and aromas of dark, red fruit. The gaminess of the Syrah in this wine is reinforced by the strong tannin structure of the Mandilari, creating a complex and intriguing wine with pleasant duration, sharp acidity, and long aging capability. Tasting Notes: Compact nose, dried and preserved dark berries, dark chocolate, light sooty and roasted notes, some old oak. Explosive notes of cranberry, with a light touch of orange on the mid-palate; delicately hints of juicy, preserved berry fruit, tough of cherries, some dark chocolate and spice in the finish, with integrated tannins. Medium to full-bodied with rounded, toasty tannins. From: http://www.sonatawine.com/portfolio/diamond-rock/
Amethystos 2009 Costa Lazaridi Winery This wine has 14.5 % vol. and Z Place sells it for $ 19.99. Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Agiorgitiko Agiorgitiko is one of the two widely grown heat-resistant Greek wine-making grape varieties, the other being Xynomavro. It is a red variety that has traditionally been grown in the Nemea region of the Peloponnese. One of the more commercially important indigenous Greek varieties, it can exhibit a wide range of characteristics, from soft to very tannic, depending on factors in the growing and winemaking processes. According to an old legend, whoever held an amethyst in his hands when drinking would not get drunk. This semi-precious stone gave its name to the first precious family of our wines. Velvety with flavors of red forest fruits, notably blackberry and gooseberry. Aged in French oak, From: http://www.nestorimports.com/amethystos-red/
Prinos Syrah 2009 Crete This wine has 14.0 % vol. and Eastgate Jungle Jim s sells it for $ 17.99. Syrah may be one of the most common international varietals planted in Greece, and it is not uncommon to taste Syrah from anywhere throughout the country. In Crete, Syrah develops a zippy acidity with strong fruit, though it still maintains plenty of dark earthiness on the nose and palate. These characteristics come through in the Prinos Red, which is made from 100% Syrah. Zacharias gives a nice touch of French oak to provide a toastiness that balances the fruit in the mouth. Tasting Notes: Spicy nose, dried and preserved red berries, dried and candied cherries, medicinal herbs and some spice, slightly sharp alcohol. Polished fruit on the palate, more dried and overripe red berries and cherries, very slightly artificial notes in the background, delicate herbaceous notes, integrated tannins, unusual style, fairly uncomplicated, very slightly astringent on an attractive finish. Very pleasant, easy fruity red wine. A red summer wine. From: http://www.sonatawine.com/portfolio/prinos-red/
XINOMAVRO Alpha Estate, Hedgehog Vineyard 2008 Amyndeon, Florina, Greece This wine has 13.5 % vol. and Eastgate Jungle Jim s sells it for $ 22.99. Variety Composition: Xinomavro 100%. Vinification Method: Destemming, no crushing, cold soak - skin contact, alcoholic fermentation at gradual increasing temperatures, maintenance of wine sur lies for eight months with regular stirring. Ageing: Nine months in French oak casks medium grain and white toast and fourteen months in the bottle. Tasting Characteristics: Splendid, purple red color. Complex, typical bouquet of leather and spices (vanilla, pepper, clove), with hints of ripe blackberry. Full mouth, rounded tannins, balanced acidity and wood tones. Long aftertaste with intense quince aroma. From: http://www.alpha-estate.com/en/alpha-xinomavro-2010