Hi, again. I sit in front of my computer once again with an open bottle of wine in front of me. This wine might interest some people (me included) because it is Greek. With the LONG history of winemaking in Greece it might seem surprising what a small portion of the US market its wines control. I believe we will be seeing more and more Greek wine as their general quality continues to rise with the help of more winemaking experience and better technology. This wine is from the Nemea region and I was told that it is made from 100% Agiorgitika grapes and sees no oak. Here are my initial impressions (the picture shows the wrong vintage):
Harlaftis Winery Athanassiadi, Nemea, Greece, 2007, 100% Agiorgitika, about $11 retail, distibuted in this area by So Po Wine Co
dark ruby with watery rim
nose: medium- intensity of juicy, almost candied red fruit (sweet red cherry, raspberry) and just a hint of peppery spice and green pepper
palate: quite like the nose. The fruit manages to stay fresh enough (not candied) that I enjoy it. The nose had me a little worried that the wine would taste "fake", but it doesn't. The lack of oak treatment is, I think, allowing the fruit to take the forefront, and the hints of spice and green pepper that I got on the nose remain just hints on the palate.
The wine has medium- body, acid, tannins, and length. It doesn't really change much during the palate and is a bit one dimensional, but that dimension is tasting good. I would call it good, probably 83 points for my palate, and considering that it comes from a category not hugely represented in our market, I think it is a reasonable value. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to try something new or anyone who knows they like this style of wine.
I would like to thank everyone who has made it this far for reading our posts. If you are reading, please leave us comments. We would love your feedback, including any suggestions or requests you might have.
I think people do not try things that are different in their life whether it is food, wine, music or other fun things. People love to be a big fish in a small pond. I like to be a small fish in a big pond because the big pond has a lot more to offer.
ReplyDeleteI have not has a lot of experience in greek wines but the wines that i have had i dug. They were not fruit bombs(yea), they were more of the european style(mineral/acid) and seem pretty affordable. I say keep writing because their is always someone reading but not commenting.
Doug,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for reviving this blog!!! Im so glad you reviewed a greek wine because until a year or so ago I knew nothing about greek wines. I will definitely try this one out. Also for people looking to try greek wines I would highly suggest going to emilitsa restaurant in portland where they have an entirely greek wine list. A great way to try different wines without committing to full bottles.
RSVP carries this and three dozen other Greek wines. You can taste the new vintage (2008) and see the new label at RSVP's Greek wine tasting on Wednesday, June 9, 2010 from 4:00 to 7:00.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Chris
RSVP
773-8808
Wow, Chris, I just happened to check this today, the day of that tasting. I'll see you there.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great wine! as good as Buy Cialis ! to avoid ED on weekends !
ReplyDelete