Greek red wine

Zacharias Agiorgitiko, Nemea 2022

Nemea, a red wine from the Peloponnese, Greece, is made from the Agiorgitiko grape and produced by Zacharias Winery. This wine has an intense, dark color and notes of black fruit, such as plum and raspberry. It is known for its full-bodied structure and soft tannins.

Nemea Agiorgitiko Zacharias – details:

Wineyard: Zacharias Winery, located in Nemea, which is known for its wines made from the Agiorgitiko grape.
Grapes: 100% Agiorgitiko.
Color: Dark red with intense colors.
Aroma: Notes of black fruit, raspberry, plum, and undertones of spices.
Taste: Full-bodied and well-structured with soft tannins.
Serving: Suitable for red meat, pizza, pasta with red sauces and other Greek dishes.
Temperature: Serve at 15-17 degrees Celsius.

Zacharias Winery produces wines that are known for their high quality and unique taste experience.

PERIVLEPTOS Theorakakos

Dry red
Protected Geographical Indication Lakonia
Grape variety: Mavroudi 50% – Agiorgitiko 50%
Organic wine. DIO certified

Winemaking process: Grape harvest at the end of September. In small containers for better use and maintenance of the quality of the vineyards. Immediately after harvest, the two varieties are mixed equally and, after destemming, they are cooled with dry ice in an anaerobic environment so that the aromatic compounds and fine tannins are soaked through fermentation, after which the grape juice is inoculated and fermentation begins, which takes 8-10 days. During the approximately 10 months that the wines are aged in French and American oak barrels, malolactic fermentation also takes place, which makes the wine special.

Organoleptic characteristics: Clear red color with red cake yellow nuances. Aromatic complexity with the ideal combination of the two varieties with aromas of cherry, coconut, cocoa, wood and vanilla. Light body in the mouth, intense tannins and good acidity.

Taste harmony: Serve at 16°C. Ideally, it goes well with meat with spicy red sauces, cannelloni with minced meat sauce, rooster braised in wine, beef baked in the oven, aged yellow cheese and smoked sausages and cold cuts.

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PERIVLEPTOS Theorakakos

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Greek Red Wine - Its Characteristics

Greek red wine is known for its unique character, which stems from a rich history, a diverse terroir and an impressive number of native grape varieties rarely found anywhere else in the world. While Greece may not be the first country that comes to mind when it comes to red wine, the country has been gaining increasing recognition for its quality wines.

Grape varieties and their characteristics:

1. Agiorgitiko (Αγιωργίτικο):
  - Region: Primarily from Nemea in the Peloponnese.
  - Characteristics: A very versatile grape. Wines made from Agiorgitiko can range from soft, fruity and juicy reds with notes of raspberry, plum and black cherry to full-bodied, complex and spicy wines with good structure and aging potential. They often have soft tannins and a balanced acidity.
2. Xinomavro (Ξινόμαυρο):
  - Region: The king of Northern Greece, especially of Naoussa and Amyndeon in Macedonia.
  - Characteristics: The name means “sour black”, and this is reflected in the character of the wine. Xinomavro wines are known for their high acidity and pronounced tannins, which give them great aging potential. They often have complex aromas of dark berries, spices, olives, dried tomatoes and sometimes a slight animal note. They are often compared to Italian Nebbiolo wines (Barolo/Barbaresco) or Pinot Noir.
3. Kotsifali (Κοτσιφάλι) and Mandilaria (Μαντηλαριά):
  - Region: Primarily Crete.
  - Kotsifali: Produces full-bodied red wines with good fruit (red berries), spices and soft tannins, but may lack acidity. Often blended with Mandilaria.
  - Mandilaria: Contributes deep color, strong tannins and good structure, but can be rough and bitter on its own. Often used as a blending grape.
4. Mavrodaphne (Μαυροδάφνη):
  - Region: Patra in the Peloponnese and Kefalonia.
  - Characteristics: Known as a sweet, fortified port-style dessert wine with notes of raisins, chocolate and dark berries, some producers also make dry, full-bodied red wines with notes of blackberry and licorice.
5. Liatiko (Λιάτικο):
  - Region: Primarily Crete.
  - Characteristics: An old grape that produces wines with sweet spice notes, soft tannins and a mild acidity. Can produce full-bodied wines with a high alcohol content.

General characteristics of Greek red wines:

Fruit profile: Often dominated by red and dark berries (plum, cherry, raspberry, blackcurrant) with variations depending on the grape variety.
Spices and herbs: Many Greek red wines have complex aromas of spices, herbs (thyme, rosemary) and sometimes earthy or mineral notes.
Tannins and acid: Ranging from soft and velvety (Agiorgitiko) to distinctive and structured (Xinomavro), a good, lively acidity is often a characteristic that gives the wines freshness and balance.
Body: Varies from medium to full-bodied.
Aging potential: Several of the Greek red wines, especially those made from Xinomavro and certain Agiorgitiko wines, have excellent aging potential and can develop complex tertiary aromas over time (tobacco, leather, dried fruits).
Modern trends:
Greek winemakers are increasingly experimenting with modern techniques and organic/biodynamic cultivation, resulting in high-quality wines that appeal to an international audience.
Greek red wines are an exciting and diverse category, offering something for every taste, from the soft and fruity to the complex and age-worthy.