Travel by vine and enjoy the many fruits of the Hellenic Republic. Good Food - What to drink … Greek wines
March 3rd, 2013
January 14th, 2013
Karydas Xinomavro 2009- wine review, by atsoukalidis:
A more ‘modern’ approach to the vinification of Xinomavro from a family estate in Naoussa. “Karydas Estate is located in Ano Gastra, one of the most well-known vineyards in Naoussa, at an altitude of 205 metres. The vineyard covers an area of 2.6 hectares, is located on a slope and was planted in 1980. In 1994, a fully-equipped winery was built in the middle of the estate, with a capacity of 15,000 bottles and since then, they began to produce their own wine. Konstantinos Karydas and his son Petros take care of the vines and vinify the wine with particular personal attention. Their aim is to produce high-quality wines with long aging potential. They produce one VQPRD Naoussa wine, which is also exported to four countries.” This wine has a clean, bright medium+ ruby color with some legs on the glass. Clean on the nose with medium+ aromatic intensity of plum, earth notes, sun-dried tomatoes, black pepper, red cherry, cranberry, prune, black olives, vanilla and strawberry. Developing. On the palate it is dry with high acidity, medium+ ripe and soft-grained tannins, medium+ alcohol, medium+ body and medium+ flavor intensity of prune, earth notes, black pepper, red cherry, cranberry, plum, tomato, black olives, vanilla and cinnamon. The generous fruit is balanced with a zesty acidity and sinewy tannins. Medium length for a wine that presents a lively acidity, well-defined fruit, and good flavor complexity and concentration. Very good quality for a typical Xinomavro that can be enjoyed now, but has potential for ageing at least another 5 years.
October 24th, 2012
January 30th, 2012
January 24th, 2012
Kokkari Estiatorio - Wine List Review
easyvino :
Kokkari Estiatorio in downtown San Francisco serves Mediterranean fare, mostly Greek, with a contemporary edge. The owners claim to make a “cuisine fit for the gods”, and although the gods would most certainly know what wine to drink, we think you might need a hand. The Wine List is long, with several Greek wines, Old World and New World options, and price points to accommodate everyone.
Here are our recommendations.
By the Glass
- 2010 Sigalas, Assyrtiko, Santorini ($14/glass) - It’s a great big White Wine. Rich, creamy and intense, with good acidity.
- 2010 Abrente, Albariño, Napa Valley ($10/glass, $40/bottle) - If you prefer a lighter (and cheaper) white, this Californian Albariño is a great option. Very refreshing.
- Bedrock, Old Vine Zinfandel, Sonoma Valley ($12/glass) - Big, smooth, and intense, this Zinfandel is very fruity and easy to drink.
By the Bottle:
- 2008 Tselepos, Moschofilero, Mantinia ($42/bottle) - This Greek White Wine is light, fruity and very refreshing; easy to drink.
- 2010 Astrolabe, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough ($45/bottle) - Your typical New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc: fruity, intense, with medium to full body.
- 2009 Kingston Family, Lucero Syrah, Casablanca Valley ($38/bottle) - Medium body, juicy and a little spicy, it’s a great value.
- 2008 Seven Hills, Merlot, Columbia Valley ($48/bottle) - Another good value, smooth and fruity, very easy to drink, medium to full body.
- 2008 Thimiopolos, Uranos, Xinomavro, Trilofos imathias ($68/bottle) - More complex and less smooth than the previous options, full in the mouth.
Cheers!
Image: foodhoe
January 10th, 2012
A “special one” winery!
A great post (as always) from sacvoyage.
Alpha Estate is located on the outskirts of Amyntaio, in northwestern Greece. The winery’s products are considered to be very prestigious and fine. Its privately owned vineyard exceeds 65 hectares and is situated at an altitude of 620-710m.
The Estate’s star wine is the Alpha One bottle.
The following varieties are grown here: Sauvignon Blanc, Malagouzia, Pinot Noir, Negro Amaro, Montepulciano, Tannat, Barbera, Mavrodaphne, Merlot, Syrah, Xinomavro and Gewürztraminer.
For more information check out the estate’s website:
