November 16, 2024 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Giftable Wines

Here are my top wine picks from the November 16, 2024 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection, which is titled "Enjoyful Gifts", while the mini-theme spotlights the wines from Greece. This is a large release with more than 140 wines offered, and includes quite a few wines that are Online & Flagship Exclusives (OFE). Overall, it is a very fine release with many fine gifting options and wines for the cellar. All these wines should be readily available for purchase across Ontario.

With the holidays fast-approaching, the main thematic of this release is "Enjoyful Gifts" and it features twenty-eight gift-giving options that are mostly red with a few bubbles, and eight of which are included among my wine picks. We'll start with the 46th edition of the Franciacorta, which is a blend of 79.5% Chardonnay, 19% Pinot Nero, and 1.5% Pinot Bianco. Moving on to the reds, the Napa Valley Cab is composed of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot, while the Luce Super Tuscan is a blend of Merlot and Sangiovese. The last blend in this group is the Châteauneuf-du-Pape, which is a blend of Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre, Syrah, and Vaccarèse. Among single varietal giftable wines, there is the 2020 Pinot Noir from Niagara, the Pinot Noir from Oregon, as well as a pair of Nebbiolo wines, one of which is a Barolo.

The mini-spotlight on Greek wines in this release only(!) includes three wines, and the one wine included among my recommendations is a lovely Assyrtiko that returned to VINTAGES this month after being first released last March.

My red wine recommendations from the main release begin in Niagara with a fine 2021 Pinot Noir, followed by the Bolgheri, which is a blend of 50% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Petit Verdot. From France, the Bordeaux red is composed of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, the Rhône red is primarily Grenache with Syrah and Mourvèdre in support, and the Roussillon red, which is approximately 70% Syrah and 30% Grenache. The only other blend is from South Africa, and it is crafted with 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 18% Petit Verdot, 18% Merlot, and 2% Malbec. The single varietal wines are the Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile, and the Rioja from Spain, which is crafted with 100% Tempranillo.

Among my top white wine picks, both whites at the lower end of the price scale are blends, with the Roussillon composed of Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, and Macabeu, while the Vinho Verde is a blend of Loureiro and Alvarinho. All the other white wines are single varietal wines, led by a trio of Chardonnay wines - a pair from Niagara and one from Burgundy. If you enjoy sweeter wines, the Riesling Spätlese from Mosel will delight!

And lastly, there is a fine group of sparkling wines for your next holiday celebration. The Champagne is a blend of 50% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, and 20% Meunier, the sparkling wine from Chile is crafted with 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, while the rosé Prosecco is made with Glera and Pinot Nero.

Enjoy my top wine recommendations from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• ARBOLEDA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 - Sustainable, DO Valle del Aconcagua, Chile (#606764) (XD) - $17.95  89 pts  wine review
• XAVIER VIGNON CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2020 - AP, France (#297317) (XD) - $18.95  89 pts  wine review
• CAP ROYAL ROUGE 2020 - Vegan, AC Bordeaux Supérieur, France (#486761) (XD) - $18.95
• BASTIDE MIRAFLORS SYRAH/VIEILLES VIGNES GRENACHE 2021 - AP Côtes du Roussillon, France (#320499) (XD) - $19.95
• MULDERBOSCH FAITHFUL HOUND 2022 - Sustainable, Vegan, WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#922443) (XD) - $20.95

• ALTANZA RESERVA 2017 - Vegan, DOCa Rioja, Spain (#208223) (XD) - $21.95  89 pts  wine review
• RENATO RATTI OCHETTI NEBBIOLO 2022 - DOC Langhe, Piedmont, Italy (#475913) (XD) - $32.95  91+ pts  wine review
• POGGIO AL TESORO IL SEGGIO 2021 - DOC Bolgheri Rosso, Tuscany, Italy (#645515) (XD) - $45.95  92 pts  wine review
• SOKOL BLOSSER ESTATE PINOT NOIR 2021 - Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA (#748434) (XD) - $49.95  92 pts  wine review
• LE CLOS JORDANNE LE GRAND CLOS PINOT NOIR 2020 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#184564) (XD) - $52.00  93+ pts  wine review

• CASCINA CHICCO ROCCHE DI CASTELLETTO BAROLO 2019 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#17697) (XD) - $54.95
• BACHELDER HANCK VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2021 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#41732) (XD) - $55.00  OFE
• DOMAINE DES SÉNÉCHAUX CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2020 - AC, Rhône, France (#677922) (XD) - $59.95
• GRGICH HILLS ESTATE GROWN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019 - Napa Valley, California, USA (#71407) (XD) - $116.95
• LUCE 2021 - IGT Toscana, Tuscany, Italy (#685263) (XD) - $129.95

White Wine:

• M. CHAPOUTIER BILA-HAUT CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON BLANC 2022 - AP, Midi, France (#485656) (XD) - $16.95
• MARIA PAPOILA LOUREIRO / ALVARINHO 2023 - DOC Vinho Verde, Portugal (#408146) (XD) - $17.95
• MULLINEUX KLOOF STREET OLD VINE CHENIN BLANC 2022 - WO Swartland, South Africa (#21111) (XD) - $22.95
• PAPAGIANNAKOS ASSYRTIKO 2022 - Vegan, PGI Attica, Greece (#33260) (XD) - $26.95  90+ pts  wine review
• WESTCOTT ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2022 - Sustainable, VQA Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#424507) (XD) - $29.95
• STUDERT-PRÜM MAXIMINHOF WEHLENER SONNENUHR RIESLING SPÄTLESE 2023 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#114777) (S) - $31.95  OFE
• THE PURSUIT ON SEVEN CHARDONNAY 2020 - VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#21655) (XD) - $48.00  OFE
• DEUX ROCHES LES POMMARDS SAINT-VÉRAN 2021 - AP, Burgundy, France (#37919) (XD) - $50.95  OFE  93 pts  wine review
  

Sparkling Wine:

• VILLA SANDI IL FRESCO MILLESIMATO BRUT ROSÉ PROSECCO 2023 - DOC, Italy (#23545) (D) - $18.95  90+ pts  wine review
• MONTES SPARKLING ANGEL BRUT SPARKLING - Traditional method, DO Zapallar, Valle del Aconcagua, Chile (#37122) (XD) - $22.95  OFE  91 pts  wine review
• CA' DEL BOSCO CUVÉE PRESTIGE EXTRA BRUT FRANCIACORTA - 46th Edition, Traditional Method, DOCG, Lombardy, Italy (#105353) (XD) - $46.95  91+ pts  wine review
• VEUVE CLICQUOT BRUT ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE 2015 - In gift box, AC, France (#588475) (XD) - $133.95  OFE

Dessert Wine:

• STRATUS RIESLING ICEWINE 2023 - Sustainable, Vegan, VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#56671, 200 mL) (S) - $44.95
• ROYAL TOKAJI RED LABEL 5 PUTTONYOS TOKAJI ASZÚ 2017 - Tokaj, Hungary (#959031, 500 mL) (S) - $69.95  OFE
  

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Skouras Wild Ferment Assyrtiko 2023 (Greece) - Wine Review

After enjoying the excellent 2022 Skouras Wild Ferment Assyrtiko last year, tonight's white wine review is the latest vintage of this terrific wine that arrived at the LCBO recently in last month's October 19 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

This white wine is produced by Domaine Skouras, a well-known winery that was founded by George Skouras. Born in Argos, a city within the Peloponnese peninsula of southern Greece, George studied oenology in Dijon (Burgundy) and realized his long-held vision to establish his own winery in his homeland in 1986.

Initially, Domaine Skouras was located in Pyrgela, a small village on the outskirts of Argos, followed by the creation of a boutique winery within the Nemea Appellation of northeastern Peloponnese, in the village of Gymno. In Nemea, George performed countless hours of manual work on a minuscule scale while learning about the Agiorgitiko variety and the Nemea denomination - lessons which became invaluable. The Nemea zone is the largest - and quite possibly the most exciting - Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) for red wines in Greece, while the nearby PDO of Mantinia and other surrounding areas which do not have PDO status have excellent terroirs for viticulture. Domaine Skouras owns a number of vineyards across all these areas.

Today, Domaine Skouras is located in the highlands of Argolida, within the village of Malandreni in Nemea, in northeastern Peloponnese, just a few kilometres from Argos. The ultra-modern winemaking facility of Domaine Skouras was established in 2004 and is situated among vineyards in an area that is blessed with ideal winegrowing conditions, particularly for the Agiorgitiko variety. The two children of George and his wife, Ourania, are also energetically continuing the vision of the Domaine. Their son, Dimitris, studied Viticulture and Oenology in France, while their daughter, Stella, is a graduate of Economics and Marketing studies in Scotland.

The philosophy permeating each Skouras wine is reflected by the words: purity, varietal clarity, tracing of the region's mesoclimate, and the imprint of the terroir. The entire viticultural team works, observes, supervises, acts and reacts, advises and consults with only one aim - to achieve optimum ripeness and obtain the best possible grape - as the focus is on delivering better fruit, which in turn delivers better wine. The thrilling Skouras wines display the hallmarks of their creator: intensity, vibrancy, and complexity, characteristics which are expressed with elegance, grace, and nobility. Domaine Skouras wines are engraved with the character of their terroir.

Like the previous vintage, this white wine is crafted with 100% Assyrtiko that was grown in the village of Gymno, Nemea, at 600 metres above sea level, on red clay soil. The vines average 10 years of age, while harvest took place in September. To vinify this wine, the grapes were whole-bunch pressed and underwent alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel at 15°C, followed by ageing sur lie for 4 months, and without undergoing malolactic fermentation.

The 2023 growing season was a warm vintage that had a prevalence of downy mildew, which resulted in reduced yields. However, quality is high. Let's see how this 2023 Assyrtiko from Greece is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

SKOURAS WILD FERMENT ASSYRTIKO 2023 - PGI Peloponnese, Greece (#32387) (XD) - $19.95
Screw cap. The medium-high to highly aromatic nose is elegantly fragrant and enticing with savoury and minerally aromas flecked with lemon peel, citrus, white floral, garden herb, and grapefruit, with touches of leesy and doughy notes adding further complexity. It has impressive concentration on the medium-full bodied and dry with palate with ripe and slightly honeyed flavours of lemon peel, citrus, grapefruit, floral, and leesy mineral. There's a fine, chalky textured mouthfeel, along with clean and refreshing acidity. It's well-structured and nicely balanced throughout, with lovely mineral notes lingering on the long, finely textured finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90+ pts

Other lovely wines by Domaine Skouras can be found at the LCBO, or ordered through their Agent - Kolonaki Fine Wines & Spirits.

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Wine Art Estate Idisma Drios Assyrtiko 2022 (Greece) - Wine Review

Tonight's white wine review is an excellent Assyrtiko from PGI Drama in northeastern Greece. It is a brand-new arrival at the LCBO, coming to shelves as part of last month's August 24th LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection and is readily available across Ontario right now.

Founded by Yiannis Papadopoulos in 1993, Wine Art Estate is a project of love and passion for wine. Yiannis, who is a civil engineer by profession, wanted to explore the vinification procedure and settled on planting a small, family vineyard on the outskirts of Drama, on the northeastern end of Macedonia in northern Greece.

The Drama wine region is made up of quiet valleys, exceptional microclimates, and rich soil that shapes the character of the wines. Wine Art Estate's vineyards are planted on carefully chosen slopes situated between two parallel mountains - Mount Falakro and Mount Menikion - which create a unique winegrowing environment that offers amazing potential for the production of distinctive, high-quality, aromatic, flavourful, and balanced wines. Highly suitable for the cultivation of Greek and international varieties, the soil in these vineyards is mainly composed of sandy-clay over limestone layers. Moreover, the blocks in the Kali Vrisi area have been known since ancient times for the cultivation of vines and production of wines, as indicated at the ruins of the Sanctuary of Dionysus. Kali Vrisi was chosen for its rich soil and is known as a premium wine growing area.

In 2009, Akis Papadopoulos, son of Yiannis, returned from his studies in Bordeaux and took over from his father as Chief Oenologist. Iralklis Topalidis joined the team as viticulturist and, after seeing and assessing the vines, began focusing on the importance of the vineyard as a precursor to quality winemaking. After years of research and experimentation, as well as an enthusiastic response from consumers, trade and press in many countries around the world, Wine Art Estate continues its dedication to quality with a winemaking philosophy that respects harmony and balance. Additionally, the philosophy at Wine Art Estate is that great wines begin in the vineyard and are grown by those who adapt, listen to nature, and are respectful of the land's energy. With winemaking experience spanning three decades, Wine Art Estate is committed to sustainable winegrowing, while producing high quality wines without compromise, and preserving nature for future generations.

While I recall enjoying the 2019 Wine Art Techni Alipias Red Blend last November, with this wine we go up a notch to Wine Art Estate's Idisma Drios premium range of wines that showcases their commitment to quality and tradition. The name "Idisma Drios" translates to "sweetly oaked" in Greek, and reflects the careful use of oak barrels in the winemaking process for each of the four Idisma Drios wines.

This particular wine is crafted with 100% Assyrtiko that was grown in the villages of Kali Vrisi and Mikrochori, from vineyards that are under conversion to organic viticulture. The Kali Vrisi vineyard has sandy-clay soil over limestone layers, while the Mikrochori vineyard has sandy-clay soil. The climate in these vineyards is continental with intense diurnal temperature changes between day and night, along with cool, northern winds during summer. To craft this white wine, the skins were cold-soaked prior to fermentation in order to transfer aromas from the grapes to the must. After fermentation for 7 days in stainless steel tanks, the wine is transferred with its fine lees into 225 L French oak barrels where it completes fermentation. Manual bâtonnage (stirring of fine lees) is applied for about 6 months to give the wine volume, density, and creaminess.

The 2022 growing season in northern Greece can be characterized as a late year that was very demanding for viticulturists. Winter was normal, but spring had low temperatures, which delayed the start of the vegetative cycle. Normal temperatures combined with rainfall during June and July led to smooth maturation of grapes, but winegrowers did need to stay alert to protect the health of the vineyards and ensure leaf surface and yield were balanced. While August had favourable temperatures, there was also plentiful rainfall, which led to temporary interruption of harvest in some places, as well as disease-related issues. September was smooth, and the harvest was completed without any further complications. Overall, the white wines from this vintage show rich varietal aromas and good acidity. Let's see how this 2022 Assyrtiko from Greece is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

WINE ART ESTATE IDISMA DRIOS ASSYRTIKO 2022 - PGI Drama, Greece (#36834) (XD) - $28.95
Richly fragrant, the medium-high to highly aromatic nose offers elegant and enticing aromas of buttery and vanillin oak layered over ripe lemon citrus, apple, orchard fruit, mineral, and floral. On the dry, medium-full to full-bodied palate it is richly structured, creamy, and complex with delicious vanilla, toasty oak spice, citrus, apple, orchard fruit, and nut flavours. Touch spicy on the mid-palate, while leesy mineral notes appear on the back palate. It has tangy and juicy acidity, while vanilla, citrus, orchard fruit, and mineral notes with touches of spice lingering on the very long, succulent finish. Should drink nicely to the end of the decade and is a highly recommended buy! Score: 91+ pts

Other fine wines by Wine Art Estate can be ordered at the LCBO or through their Agent - Kolonaki Fine Wines & Spirits.

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Alpha Estate Turtles Single Vineyard Malagouzia 2023 (Greece) - Wine Review

Tonight's white wine review is an excellent Malagouzia from Greece. It arrived at the LCBO over the weekend and is featured as a Hand-Picked Gift in the August 24 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Alpha Estate, a winery that was established in 1997 by Makis Mavridis, an experienced viticulturist, and Angelos Iatridis, a chemist-oenologist. After gaining years of experience in their fields in Greece and abroad, they decided to create their own wines and settled in the Amyndeon region of Florina, Macedonia, in northwestern Greece.

Today, Angeliki Iatridou and Emorfili Mavridou, the daughters of the founders, carry on the knowledge and love for winemaking with passion, while respecting traditions and evolving to participate in Alpha Estate's common vision. They have a privately-owned 220 hectare vineyard with a unique ecosystem, but the soul of their work are the people that contribute every day to the dream, while respecting nature and using the most recent international standards in eco-friendly growing practices of sustainable viticulture and winemaking. All wines bearing the Alpha Estate label are crafted with professional know-how, experience, and with a team effort throughout all the stages from production to promotion.

The winery is located in the heart of the vineyard, thereby allowing the grapes to arrive at the winery in the shortest amount of time as possible in order to protect the grape's organoleptic characteristics. Moreover, the winery was designed to exploit gravity, which minimizes the stress experienced by the grape and wine, as well as constructed using materials that allowed for completely neutral atmospheric conditions inside the winery. Alpha Estate has also implemented an integrated Building Management System, which allows for remote monitoring of all machinery and mechanical functions. The cellar is located underground where wine is aged in casks at ideal and optimum conditions throughout the year.

This white wine is crafted with 100% Malagouzia that was grown in PGI Florina, one of the coolest and most mountainous PGI zones in Greece. The privately owned vineyard is planted on the Amyndeon plateau in northwestern Macedonia, within the "Turtles" sub-region that is situated at an average 670 metres above sea level, facing Mount Voras, and with northwestern exposure to the sun. The soil in this vineyard is sandy, with a sandy clay soil over limestone that has excellent drainage qualities. The climate in this area is semi-continental, with important rain and snowfall, while summers are generally fresh and dry, with a high diurnal temperature range and cool nights. Furthermore, the two neighbouring lakes, along with the prevalence of northwesterly winds, help regulate weather extremes and allow vine cultivation to thrive. After the grapes were harvested by hand in small picking baskets, they were destemmed, optically sorted, and then lightly crushed. With skin contact, it underwent a temperature-controlled alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks, and spent two months "sur lie" with regular stirring.

The 2023 growing season began very dry, without the usual snowfall, and an almost warm winter, followed by a nice, cold spring. June was very wet and presented some challenges, while heatwaves arrived in July and stressed the vines. What saved and made the vintage were the warm days and cool nights during harvest. Let's see how this 2023 Malagouzia from Greece is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

ALPHA ESTATE TURTLES SINGLE VINEYARD MALAGOUZIA 2023 - Vegan, PGI Florina, Greece (#32161) (XD) - $18.95
100% Malagouzia. Intensely fragrant and highly aromatic, this has a lovely, attractive, complex, and perfumed nose of ripe grapefruit, lemon citrus, spring flowers, apple, tropical fruits, lychee, and fennel aromas with underlying minerals. On the dry, medium+ bodied, well-structured palate, it is lightly spicy with citrusy, grapefruit, apple, mineral, spring flowers, and lychee flavours supported by juicy, structured acidity. It has a fine, textured mouthfeel, plus some spice notes on the mid-palate. Nicely balanced with tangy citrus and mineral notes lingering on the exceptionally long finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 91 pts

Other fine wines by Alpha Estate can be found at the LCBO or through their Agent - Kolonaki Fine Wines & Spirits.

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Thalia Wines (Greece) - Wine Reviews

Tonight's wine reviews are a trio of wines from Greece that I've had in my possession for nearly a couple of years now. While these particular vintages are long sold out, the latest vintage of each wine is widely available at LCBO outlets across Ontario at a about $1+ more than the price noted below.

All three wines are produced by Thalia Wines, a wine brand from Greece that was established by Steve Kriaris of Kolonaki Group of Companies. In addition to importing many boutique Greek wines into Canada, he also began producing and importing Thalia Wines - a range of three, diverse wines that are rooted in the rich tradition and craftsmanship of Greek winemaking.

The brand is inspired by Thalia, the eighth of nine Greek muses which inspired artists to create. She was born to Zeus, king of the gods, and Mnemosyne, the personification of thought, intellect, and memory, and the Mother of the arts. Thalia is the goddess of comedy, poetry, and festivity, and the one who inspired laughter to emanate from Greek theatres. To the ancient Greek philosophers, Thalia was the inspiration for their symposiums where they drank wine, listened and danced to music, debated, recited poetry, and revelled the night away.

Thalia is this wine brand's muse as she embodies their wines borne of ancient Greek lands and carries the fermentations of inspired generations in its genes. Thalia wines are best enjoyed amongst friends and loved ones, where we subconsciously desire to recreate the ancient Greek gatherings and enjoy each other's company, thoughts, and laughter.

The entire range of Thalia wines consists of 3 wines - a red, white, and rosé. All three wines are two-varietal blends that combine a native variety with an international variety. The 2021 vintage wines reviewed below are all from a good vintage, so let's see how these Greek wines are tasting tonight...

Tasting Notes:

THALIA ROSÉ (2021) - PGI Peloponnese, Greece (#27148) (XD) - $10.95
A blend of 80% Agiorgitiko, Greece's noblest red grape variety, and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. After hand-harvesting the grapes, each variety spent 2 to 3 hours on its skins. The free-run wine must was then blended and fermented together at low temperatures using selected yeast. Enclosed by screw cap and pours a medium orange-pink salmon hue. The medium+ to medium-high intensity nose delivers dried herb, white pepper spice, grapefruit, citrus, and blood orange aromas with hints of stony minerality. It's nicely textured on the medium+ to medium-full bodied and dry palate with delicious dried herb, peppery spice, grapefruit, citrus, and red apple flavours supported by very good, crisp acidity. It has a nicely textured mouthfeel, while red currant and berry notes join the herbal and grapefruit characters on the juicy, dry finish, with very good length. Recommended buy! Score: 88+ pts

THALIA WHITE (2021) - PGI Peloponnese, Greece (#273490) (XD) - $11.50
This blend of 70% Assyrtiko, one of Greece's highest quality grapes and comes from the high altitudes of the Achaia region, and 30% Sauvignon Blanc, each variety was hand-harvested and fermented separately at low temperatures using selected yeast, followed by ageing on its fine lees for 2 months. Fresh and fragrant with ripe aromas of lemon citrus, hay, orange, and grapefruit, plus some intriguing yeasty, doughy, autolytic characters adding complexity. The medium+ bodied palate is dry and ripe with slightly honeyed notes of lemon citrus, grapefruit, apple, and wild herbs, with touches of leesy minerality. Acids are juicy and well-balanced. Subtle spice on the mid-palate, while citrus and leesy mineral notes linger on the lengthy, crisp finish. Well-made and a highly recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

THALIA RED (2021) - PGI Peloponnese, Greece (#15285) (XD) - $11.60
This blend of 80% Agiorgitiko and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon was hand-harvested and had gentle skin contact for one week. After undergoing alcoholic and malolactic fermentation, the two varieties were blended and aged. It has a fragrant, medium+ intensity nose of ripe black cherry, red plum, vanilla oak spice, and sweet cinnamon aromas with savoury earth accents. On the medium+ bodied palate it is dry with good structure that supports the black cherry, currant, plum, cassis, savoury earth, coffee, and gently oak spice flavours. It has very good, juicy acidity and smooth, supple tannins with a lightly grippy texture. There's some pleasant bitterness on the mid-palate, while earthy, dark cherry, coffee, and spice notes linger on the finish, with very good length. Should continue to age gracefully over the next 2-3 years. Score: 88+ pts

The latest edition of all three wines are widely available at the LCBO and through their Agent - Kolonaki Fine Wines & Spirits.

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Skouras Cuvée Prestige Agiorgitiko / Moscofilero Rosé 2023 (Greece) - Wine Review

Tonight's rosé wine review is a lovely dry rosé from Greece that arrived at the LCBO as part of last weekend's July 6 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

Like the lovely 2022 Skouras Moscofilero I enjoyed a few months ago, this rosé is also produced by the well-known and highly-regarded Domaine Skouras. The winery was established in 1986 by George Skouras, a man who was born in the Peloponnese town of Argos, one of Europe's oldest towns with a rich, 3,000-year-old tradition of wine and culture.

With an interest in wine, George studied Agriculture at the University of Dijon, in Burgundy, France, where he encountered Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and famous local winegrowers that put a spell on him. After graduating with a degree in Oenology, George set out to gain experience in the classic wine-producing regions of France, Italy, and Greece, and upon returning home, he realized his dream of having his own winery - a small winemaking facility which was located in the small village of Pyrgela, on the outskirts of Argos.

The next chapter in Mr. Skouras' wine career led him to create a boutique winery in the Nemea Appellation of the northeastern Peloponnese, where he put in countless hours of manual work to learn invaluable lessons about the Agiorgitiko variety and the Nemea denomination.

Today, Domaine Skouras is an ultra-modern winery situated in the highlands of Argolida, an area that is blessed with ideal winegrowing conditions, particularly for Agiorgitiko. Situated near the winery is the PDO of Mantinia, a region which has a Mediterranean climate with continental influences and known for its Moscofilero. The philosophy at Skouras is focused on purity, varietal clarity, tracing of the region's mesoclimate, and imprint of the terroir, with the aim of achieving optimum ripeness and obtaining the best possible grape. George Skouras is dedicated to crafting high-quality wines that showcase Greek terroir, while embracing modern techniques and putting a strong emphasis on minimal intervention in the winemaking process.

This rosé is a blend of 70% Agiorgitiko and 30% Moscofilero that is classified as PGI Peloponnese because the grapes come from two different areas within the Peloponnese. From 28-year-old vines, the Agiorgitiko was grown in Corinthia on calcareous soil at an altitude of 850 metres above sea level, while the Moscofilero is from 30-year-old vines grown on sandy soil in Mantinia at an altitude of 750 metres above sea level. The grapes were harvested from the end of September to the beginning of October. To craft this rosé, the Moscofilero had skin contact for 6 hours, while blending and alcoholic fermentation occurred in stainless steel vats, without undergoing malolactic fermentation. It was aged for a short period on its fine lees, and then bottled under screw cap.

From a warm vintage that had a prevalence of downy mildew that reduced yields, let's see how this 2023 Rosé from Greece is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

SKOURAS CUVÉE PRESTIGE AGIORGITIKO / MOSCOFILERO ROSÉ 2023 - PGI Peloponnese, Greece (#25745) (XD) - $15.95
Blend of 70% Agiorgitiko and 30% Moscofilero that is enclosed by screw cap. Pours a pretty shade of pink salmon colour. Lovely, medium-high intensity aromatics are fresh, zesty, and minerally, with red berry, strawberry, currant, cherry, and grapefruit citrus notes. The mid-weighted palate is dry, ripe, and lightly honeyed with tart red berry, strawberry, currant, and grapefruit citrus flavours joined by spicy notes on the mid-palate. Acids are crisp, fresh, and juicy, while tart red berry and grapefruit citrus notes with touches of leesy minerals linger on the finish, with very good length. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90 pts

Other fine wines by Domaine Skouras can be found through their Agent - Kolonaki Fine Wines & Spirits - or at the LCBO.

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Zacharias Moschofilero 2022 (Greece) - Wine Review

After enjoying the excellent 2022 Zacharias Assyrtiko last month, tonight's white wine review is another lovely wine from the same producer that arrived at the LCBO today as part of the July 6 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection. While stores may be closed due to the strike, this can be ordered online from lcbo.com.

Like the Assyrtiko, this white wine is produced by Zacharias Winery, a notable family-owned winery that was established over 30 years ago in the Nemea region of northeastern Peloponnese, Greece. The family has forty hectares of blessed land located on slopes that embrace the village of Leontio, Nemea. These vineyards are spread out and produce some of Greece's finest fruit, which leads to high-quality wines.

Since its founding in 1974 and as one of the region's most historic wineries, the art of winemaking for the Zacharias family has been more than a passion. Zacharias has continuously offered a vision, mood, and work ethic to qualitatively improve the wines made with Agiorgitiko. In addition to Agiorgitiko, the family also plants twelve other grape varieties, including top indigenous varieties such as Assyrtiko, Moschofilero, Roditis, and Mavrodaphne, as well as some international varieties. The vineyards are managed to produce small yields, while using an integrated environmental management system which respects both nature and man, which results in concentrated grapes to produce quality wines. The aim of Zacharias Winery is to offer approachable wines with a unique identity, while preserving the tradition and dissemination of grape varieties of the PDO Nemea and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) Peloponnese appellations, which are an integral part of the cultural heritage of the place.

The PGI Peloponnese appellation was established in 1989 and consists of seven regional units. While not the same quality as PDO wines, PGI wines largely demonstrate authenticity and formality with respect to varieties and regions. The PGI wines crafted by Zacharias Winery use grapes grown in the administrative boundaries of the Municipality of Nemea, in Corinthia of the Peloponnese, and Mantinia of Arcadia. The climate in the Peloponnese varies depending on the region and altitude, but in general, it has a privileged Mediterranean climate where it is mild and warm on the coast, and cold in the interior lands.

This 100% Moschofilero was organically farmed in the PGI Peloponnese appellation and hand-harvested from late-September to early-October. To vinify this wine, the grapes underwent a cold maceration for 3 hours for 20% of the final blend, and fermentation at a low, controlled temperature in stainless tanks. Let's see how this 2022 Moschofilero from Greece is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

ZACHARIAS MOSCHOFILERO 2022 - PGI Peloponnese, Greece (#548222) (XD) - $15.95
The attractive, medium-high intensity nose offers pretty aromas of Mandarin orange, honeysuckle, floral, grapefruit, lychee, and citrus. The medium+ to medium-full bodied palate is dry, ripe, and slightly honeyed with delicious citrus, grapefruit, honeysuckle, orange blossom, and floral flavours with touches of spice, wild herbs, and lychee adding further complexity. Acids are fresh, juicy, and mouth-watering. There's a touch of zesty spice on the mid-palate, while savoury, leesy notes come through on the juicy finish, with very good length. Perfect thirst quencher for summer drinking and a highly recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

Other lovely wines by Zacharias Winery can be found at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

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Dionysos Wines (Greece) - Wine Reviews

Tonight's post features a trio of lovely wines from Greece. All three wines are new arrivals as Destination Collection products at the LCBO and can be purchased online or by visiting the LCBO Destination Collection stores on Danforth (Toronto) or Erin Mills Parkway (Mississauga).

All three of these wines are produced by Dionysos Winery S.A., a wine producer that was founded in 1936 in Athens by Asimakis Koutsouros and Stelios Gikas. Greece is known for its rich heritage and high-quality wines, which reflect the country's deep-rooted viticultural traditions.

Named after the ancient Greek god of wine, Dionysus, the two families that established Dionysos Winery had a passion for Greece's native grape varieties and a vision to create world-class wines. Today, the business is still owned by the Koutsouros and Gikas families, and because creating quality wines is what counts the most, the families have invested heavily in their modest winery to move forward and create quality wines.

Dionysos Winery is located about 30 minutes southwest of Athens in Lechio, within the Corinthos wine district - the most important quality vine growing region in the Peloponnese. In this location, the Mediterranean climate from the south meets the continental winds from the north to create superb winegrowing conditions that result in fruit forward, lively, temperamental, and complex wines.

Tasting Notes:

DIONYSOS LA CULTURE EN ROSE CUVÉE LIMITÉE 2022 - PGI Peloponnese, Greece (#35720) (XD) - $21.95
A blend of 95% Mavrofilero and 5% Grenache Noir that was grown in the Mountainous Mantinia region of Peloponnese. The oxidative, sherry-like, medium-high intensity nose has prominent florals with lemon blossom and rose aromas joined by macerated citrus and fig adding complexity. There is a sense of sweetness on the dry, medium-full bodied palate with blood orange, floral, citrus, and grapefruit flavours in a slightly oxidative style. It has very good, juicy, and slightly tangy acidity, along with a nicely textured, and well-structured mouthfeel. Florals and citrus notes linger on the long, juicy, and dry finish. Score: 90+ pts

DIONYSOS MANTINIA MOSCHOFILERO 2022 - PDO Mantinia, Greece (#547232) (XD) - $21.95
Fragrant, medium-high intensity nose delivers yellow and white citrus and floral aromas nuanced with leesy mineral, bergamot, and wild herbs. On the dry, ripe, light-to-medium bodied palate it has a very slightly honeyed profile of lemon citrus, floral, spice, and wild herb flavours with touches of leesy mineral notes. It has fresh, crisp, and juicy acidity, along with a fine, chalky textured mouthfeel. The spice notes give way to leesy minerals on the impressively long, dry finish. Score: 90+ pts

DIONYSOS OENOMELO SWEET WHITE WINE - Peloponnese, Greece (#35722) (S) - $25.95
This blend of 60% Muscat, 20% Moschofilero, and 20% Roditis has a medium+ to medium-high intensity nose that offers sweet aromas of candied lemon and ginger, honey, yellow floral, honeysuckle, and roses. It's medium+ to medium-full bodied and deliciously sweet on the palate with lovely candied lemon, honey, candied ginger spice, and floral notes on the flavour profile. It has fresh, well-balanced acidity, while candied lemon and honey notes taper to floral on the finish, with very good length. Score: 89 pts

Other lovely wines by Dionysos Winery can be ordered through their Agent - Don Ackerman's Wines & Spirits.

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Mega Spileo Assyrtiko 2022 (Greece) - Wine Review

Tonight's white wine review is yet another lovely white wine from Greece. This refreshing Assyrtiko arrived at the LCBO as part of the recent LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection on June 8th.

Like the lovely 2022 Mega Spileo Malagousia that I enjoyed last month, this white wine is also produced by the historic and significant winery and monastery - Mega Spileo Estate.

Situated near the town of Kalavryta, in the Achaea region of northern Peloponnese, Mega Spileo holds a special place in Greek orthodox tradition and history. It is built into the side of a steep cliff overlooking the Vouraikos Gorge and offers stunning natural views of the landscape. Originally established in 362 A.D. by brothers who were also monks, the monastery added vine cultivation to its lands around the mid-15th century. The grapes were used by the monks to produce wine for both the Holy Communion and a nutritious dietary supplement. During this period, a massive barrel called "Angelis" was acquired and used to store 12 tonnes of wine - a barrel which still survives to this day.

In 1999, the latest chapter of the long and storied history of Mega Spileo Estate began after brothers Giannis and Theodoros Anastasiou received a long-term lease on the Estate from the Monastery. The vision of the Anastasiou brothers was to revitalize the historical vineyard using a team of experienced oenologists and wine producers. In order to create a completely new and unique estate, the team re-planted the vines and implemented best practices in the vineyard and winery, including protecting the environment and using sustainable agricultural techniques. The process led to the cultivation of high-quality grapes, which in turn to the production of high-quality wines, resulting in Mega Spileo Estate becoming a significant point of reference for Greek wine production.

Today, Mega Spileo Estate is situated just a few minutes away from the historic monastery, and within the UNESCO Chelmos-Vouraikos Global Geopark, which covers an area of 647 sq. km. It was included as part of the UNESCO program in 2015 thanks to its unique characters - a combination of rare geological, natural, and cultural elements. The area surrounding the Estate has tall mountains, plateaus, sheer gorges, ancient trees, wild herbs, flowers, and cool breezes, all of which come together to create a unique micro-climate.

Crafted with 100% Assytriko, the grapes were grown on mountain vineyards in Aigialeia and Kalavryta, at an altitude of more than 700 metres above sea level. After harvesting the grapes in late-September, it underwent a static racking of the grape must for 48 hours, followed by a low-temperature, alcoholic fermentation using selected yeasts. The wine stayed in contact with its fine lees for 3 months in stainless steel tanks, after which one-third of the wine was transferred into oak barrels and matured for a further 3 months, then reassembled and bottled. Let's see how this 2022 Assyrtiko from Greece is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

MEGA SPILEO ASSYRTIKO 2022 - PGI Achaia, Greece (#31680) (XD) - $22.95
Fresh and fragrant, the medium-high intensity nose offers lovely, slightly perfumed aromas of ripe lemon citrus, orchard fruit, apple, pear, and mineral notes with touches of spice. It's mid-weighted on the palate with a fine, textural mouthfeel that supports the ripe, lightly honeyed flavours of lemon citrus, leesy mineral, ripe apple/pear, grapefruit, and mild spice notes. Complex and nicely balanced with fresh, lively acidity, and a gently chalky textured mouthfeel. Spice notes taper to leesy minerals and lime citrus on the long, textured finish. Chill and enjoy this highly recommended buy! Score: 90 pts

Other lovely wines by Mega Spileo can be found at the LCBO, or ordered through their Agent - Kolonaki Fine Wines & Spirits.

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Zacharias Assyrtiko 2022 (Greece) - Wine Review

Tonight's white wine review is a lovely Assyrtiko from Greece that arrived at the LCBO last weekend as part of the June 8th LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Zacharias Winery, a notable family-owned winery that was established over 30 years ago in the Nemea region, which is situated in the northeastern part of the Peloponnese, in Greece.

The Zacharias family has forty hectares of blessed land located on slopes that embrace the village of Leontio. The family's vineyards on these lands are spread sluggishly, offering the finest fruit for the production of high-quality wines. Zacharias plants thirteen grape varieties, including top indigenous varieties such as Agiorgitiko, Assyrtiko, Moschofilero, Roditis, and Mavrodaphne, as well as international varieties. With small yields and an integrated environmental management system which respects both nature and man, the juices from these grapes create quality wines.

Situated 115 km southwest of Athens, historically, Nemea was better known for the famous feat of Hercules who exterminated the terrible Lion of Nemea that inhabited the area. According to legend, the son of the god of wine, Dionysus, reigned this land and founded a city that bore his name - Fliounta. Nemea used to be called Agios Georgios, from the homonymous Byzantine church from which the famous grape variety - Agiorgitiko - took its name. Winegrowing, including the Agiorgitiko variety, and the production of wine in the region date back to 2000 B.C.

For the Zacharias family, the art of winemaking has been more than a passion for over 30 years. As the most historic winery in Nemea, since 1974, it has continuously offered a vision, mood, and work ethic to qualitatively improve the wines made with Agiorgitiko. The aim of Zacharias Winery is to offer approachable wines with a unique identity, while preserving the tradition and dissemination of grape varieties of the PDO Nemea and PGI Peloponnese appellations, which are an integral part of the cultural heritage of the place.

The production area in and around Nemea is quite extensive, ranging from 200 metres up to 850 metres above sea level, with most of the area's vineyards planted on slopes. The climate in the region is the typical Mediterranean climate, with average annual temperatures of 17°C, and average annual rainfall of 750 mm. The soil in the vineyards have average organic content, with moderate alkaline pH, and a relatively high content of calcium carbonate.

To craft this 100% Assyrtiko, the grapes were grown within the PGI Peloponnese appellation, the southernmost of the Balkan peninsula and Greece's largest and most productive wine region. After hand-harvesting the grapes in late-September, they underwent a cold maceration for 12 hours, followed by a cooler fermentation in stainless steel vats. Let's see how this 2022 Assyrtiko from Greece is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

ZACHARIAS ASSYRTIKO 2022 - PGI Peloponnese, Greece (#588814) (XD) - $18.95
Fresh and fragrant, the inviting, medium-high intensity nose offers lovely yellow flowers, ripe lemon citrus, and melon aromas accented with fresh herbs and anise notes. On the dry, well-structured, medium-full bodied palate it is ripe and very lightly honeyed with delicious lemon citrus, floral, melon, and herbal replays on the flavour profile. It's supported by crisp and refreshing acidity, along with some spice notes and a fine, chalky textured mouthfeel on the mid-palate. Crisp and fresh, with leesy mineral notes lingering on the long, juicy finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90 pts

Other fine wines by Zacharias Winery can be found at the LCBO, or ordered through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

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Mega Spileo Malagousia 2022 (Greece) - Wine Review

Tonight's white wine review is a lovely Malagousia from Greece. It is a brand-new arrival at the LCBO and was featured as part of the theme on Classic Euro Regions in the May 11 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

Like the excellent 2015 Mega Spileo Estate Cabernet Sauvignon I enjoyed last month, this white wine is made by the same producer - Mega Spileo Estate. The historic and significant Mega Spileo monastery and winery is situated near the town of Kalavryta, within the Achaea region of the Peloponnese. As the oldest and continuously occupied institution in Greece, and the 2nd oldest in the world, the estate is built inside a large cave overlooking the Vouraikos Gorge and provides stunning, natural surroundings. The monastery was established in 362 A.D. by brothers who were also monks, with vine cultivation entering the picture from the mid-15th century onwards, as the monks grew grapes to produce wine for the Holy Communion and as a nutritious dietary supplement. During this period, a massive barrel called "Angelis" was acquired and used to store 12 tonnes of wine - it still survives to this day.

The latest chapter of Mega Spileo Estate began in 1999, when brothers Giannis & Theodoros Anastasiou received a long-term lease on the Estate from the Monastery. The Anastasiou brothers are guided by their vision to revitalize the historical vineyard using a team of experienced wine producers and oenologists who re-planted vines and implemented best practices, including sustainable agriculture and environmental protection, for the cultivation and production of high-quality wine to create a completely new and unique estate. Cultivating both local and international varieties, Mega Spileo produces top-quality products that have become a significant point of reference for Greek wine production.

Crafted with 100% Malagousia, this white wine was organically cultivated in vineyards on the Trapeza Plateau and in Vrosthena. The Trapeza vineyard is located at Agios Nikolaos, in Pera Kampos at Trapeza, Diakopto, along the northern coast of the Achaia region in West Greece. The Trapeza vineyard is planted on an amphitheatrical plateau at an altitude of about 830 metres, overlooking the Corinthian Gulf, and is a passage for visitors to the Palaeomonastero of Agios Nikolaos, and is connected to the mountain village of Trapeza via a provincial road. Spread over 13 hectares, the vineyard has sand and clay soil of varying depths and has good humidity retention. The ground also has a striking red colour due to iron oxides in the soil. The local microclimate is mild and quite dry, especially from April onwards, and is directly exposed to winds from all directions. With its proximity to the sea, the grapes benefit from both mild local temperatures and humidity, and allow the grapes to ripen earlier.

The Malagousia in this wine also comes from the Vrosthena vineyard, which is located at Apidies of Lofos, a small mountain village near Diakopto in Achaia Prefecture. This 2 hectare vineyard is planted at an altitude of between 800 and 850 metres, on a northward slope of sand and clay with good depth and drainage, with views of the Trapeza plateau and the Corinthian Gulf. Exposure and altitude form the mild local microclimate, with stable temperatures and year-round rains allowing the grapes to ripen properly.

After harvesting the grapes in early-September, it underwent a pre-fermentation extraction for about 3 hours, followed by static racking and alcoholic fermentation using selected yeasts at low temperatures in stainless steel tanks. The wine stayed in contact with its fine lees, while gently stirred, for 4 to 5 weeks. Let's see how this 2022 Malagousia from Greece is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

MEGA SPILEO MALAGOUSIA 2022 - PGI Achaia, Greece (#36837) (XD) - $19.95
Fresh and fragrant, the lifted, highly aromatic nose offers pretty aromas melon, lychee, honeysuckle, floral, and grapefruit citrus. On the dry, medium-bodied palate it has gently spicy notes followed by melon, honeysuckle, floral, lychee, and citrusy aromas replays on the flavour profile. It has juicy, bracing, and tangy acidity, while leesy mineral notes with some pleasing bitterness linger on the juicy, lightly chalky textured finish, with very good length. Highly recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

Other lovely wines by Mega Spileo Estate can be found at the LCBO, or ordered through their Agent - Kolonaki Fine Wines & Spirits.

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Kir-Yianni Le Nord Assyrtiko 2023 (Greece) - Wine Review

Tonight's white wine review is an excellent, vegan-friendly Assyrtiko from Greece that officially arrives at the LCBO this weekend as The $18 Solution in the April 27th LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Kir-Yianni, a winery that was founded in 1997 by Yiannis Boutaris, one of the leading figures in the Greek wine industry and from the renowned Boutaris wine family. Yiannis' grandfather, John Boutaris, established the Boutari Wine Group in 1879, but Yiannis left the family's wine business to set his own path.

The beginnings of Kir-Yianni are rooted in the eastern foothills of Mt. Vermion, in Yianakohori, near the town of Naoussa, where Yiannis Boutaris planted 40 hectares of Xinomavro vines in 1970. This vineyard would later become Ktima Kir-Yianni. In 1985, Yiannis planted 20 hectares of white varieties in the highlands to the west of Mt. Vermion, in the area of Amyndeon. Over the next five years, Yiannis planted Merlot and Syrah in selected vineyard parcels at Ktima Kir-Yianni, varieties which were perfectly suited to the area's mesoclimate.

In 1996, Yiannis purchased an old winery in the village of Agios Panteleimon. This building was nicknamed "Paranga", or Shack, and would go on to become the Kir-Yianni winery in Amyndeon - where this wine was crafted. In 1997, Kir-Yianni was officially founded with the first vintage that was entirely vinified at the newly built Ktima Kir-Yianni winery.

Today, Kir-Yianni is led by Stellios Boutaris, son of Yiannis, and the fifth generation of the Boutaris family of winemakers. Stellios became the managing director of Kir-Yianni in 1999, and was joined soon thereafter by his brother, Mihalis, who returned from his studies at UC Davis. During this period, there was intense experimentation and research on the Xinomavro varietal, with the new generation of Xinomavro wines borne in 2003 based on the results of these experiments. Between 2004 and 2006, 28 hectares of vineyards were re-planted with Xinomavro and other Greek and international varieties, with a focus on ensuring that each varietal is planted on the most appropriate vineyard parcel. With 10 more hectares of vineyards acquired in 2009, Kir-Yianni became one of Greece's largest vineyards.

The philosophy at Kir-Yianni is a fine balance between a hundred-year-long family tradition and the use of new and innovative winemaking techniques. The aim of Kir-Yianni is to produce appealing wines that reflect the potential of the Greek vineyard and its indigenous varieties. Activities in the vineyard and at the winery are based on the principles of integrated farming, with concern about protecting the environment. Kir-Yianni takes proper care in the vineyard, strict selection on the vine and in the cellar, micro-vinifies, and meticulously blends - core practices which endow Kir-Yianni wines with typicity, ageing potential, and consistent quality from vintage to vintage.

This 100% Assyrtiko was grown at an altitude of 700 metres within the Agios Panteleimon viticulture zone, in the Amyndeon appellation of Northwestern Greece. The vines are young, averaging only 8-10 years old, and are planted on poor sandy soil, which helps deliver wines of exquisite finesse and an intense aromatic character. The climate in this region is mildly continental with cold winters, warm summers, and is influenced by the four neighbouring lakes. To vinify this wine, the grapes were carefully destemmed and crushed, and maintained skin contact in order to maximize the extraction of aroma precursors. It was fermented at controlled temperatures in stainless steel tanks, and remained on its fine lees for an extended period of 4-5 months in order to gain more volume and complexity.

With the impact of climate change, the 2023 growing season began as a very dry and almost warm winter, without the usual snowfall, followed by a nice, cold spring. A very wet June presented challenges for grape health, but Kir Yianni did manage well due to extensive work in the vineyard. In July, there were heat waves which stressed the vines, but warm days and cool nights during harvest season helped save the vintage. Let's see how this 2023 Assyrtiko is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

KIR-YIANNI LE NORD ASSYRTIKO 2023 - Vegan, IGP Florina, Greece (#25707) (XD) - $18.00
Screw cap. Fragrant and intense, the medium-high intensity nose delivers elegant lemon citrus, floral, leesy-stony minerality, ripe pear, spice, and grapefruit aromas with some nuanced orchard fruit notes. It's medium-full bodied with impressive weight, concentration, and depth on the dry, structured palate. Lovely ripe lemon citrus, grapefruit, floral, leesy-stony minerality, pear, and white peach flavours are neatly balanced. It has crisp, clean, juicy, and structured acidity, along with some spice notes and a chalky mineral texture on the mid-palate. Oyster shell mineral flavours with touches of spice linger on the long, crisp, and well-balanced finish. Buy six and enjoy one each year to the end of the decade. Highly recommended buy! Score: 91+ pts

Other fine wines by Kir-Yianni are available at the LCBO, and through their Agent - Kolonaki Fine Wines & Spirits.

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Skouras Moscofilero 2022 (Greece) - Wine Review

Tonight's white wine review is a lovely Moscofilero from Greece that is brand-new to the LCBO, arriving at LCBO outlets across Ontario as part of last weekend's LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection on April 13th.

Like the excellent 2022 Skouras Wild Ferment Assyrtiko I enjoyed late last year, this white wine is also produced by Domaine Skouras, a well-known and highly regarded winery that was founded in 1986 by George Skouras. Born in Argos, within the Peloponnese region in southern Greece, George is from one of Europe's oldest towns with a rich, 3,000-year-old tradition of wine and culture.

George's interest in wine led him to study Agriculture at the University of Dijon, in Burgundy, France, where he encountered Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and famous local winegrowers that put a spell on him. After graduating with a degree in Oenology, George set out to gain experience in the classic wine-producing regions of France, Italy, and Greece. Upon returning home in Greece, he realized his dream of having his own winery - a small winemaking facility which was located in the small village of Pyrgela, on the outskirts of Argos.

Mr. Skouras then created a boutique winery within the Nemea Appellation of northeastern Peloponnese, where he put in countless hours of manual work to learn about the Agiorgitiko variety and the Nemea denomination. These lessons were invaluable as Domaine Skouras is, today, an ultra-modern winery located in the highlands of Argolida, an area that is blessed with ideal winegrowing conditions, particularly for Agiorgitiko. Situated near the winery is the PDO of Mantinia, where this white wine is from, which has a Mediterranean climate with continental influences, and is one of the coldest PDO zones in Greece. Moschofilero is the primary varietal grown in Mantinia.

With great skill, George Skouras is dedicated to crafting high-quality wines that showcase Greek terroir. The philosophy at Domaine Skouras is focused on purity, varietal clarity, tracing of the region's mesoclimate, and imprint of the terroir, with the aim of achieving optimum ripeness and obtaining the best possible grape, as the better the fruit is at harvest, the better the wine. Domaine Skouras crafts wines using grapes from not only their own vineyards, but also from select, quality-oriented growers who are under the guidance of the Skouras viticulture team. Skouras embraces modern techniques, while putting a strong emphasis on minimal intervention in the winemaking process.

This white wine is crafted with 100% Moscofilero that was grown in the district of PGI Arcadia, within the wine region of Peloponnese. More specifically, the grapes were grown at the high altitude of 2,400 feet above sea level at their vineyards in Mantinia, just northeast of central Peloponnese. The Moscofilero vines are 32 years of age and planted on sandy soil. After harvesting the grapes at the end of September, the juice had skin contact for 4 hours, with more than half free-run juice due to the colour on skins. It underwent fermentation in stainless steel vats, followed by a short maturation over fine lees. Let's see how this 2022 Moscofilero from Greece is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

SKOURAS MOSCOFILERO 2022 - PGI Arcadia, Greece (#27154) (XD) - $19.95
The fragrant, highly aromatic nose offers very pretty yellow and white florals, lychee, musky, anise, and orange blossom aromas layered over citrus and grapefruit notes. It's medium+ to medium-full bodied on the dry, well-structured palate with lovely honeyed, musky, floral, pear-apple, lychee, spice, and citrus flavours with impressive complexity. It has a slightly viscous-textured mouthfeel supported by fresh, juicy acidity. Leesy mineral notes accented with spice, floral, and citrus linger on the long, persistent finish. Enjoy this fantastic, highly recommended buy over the next 4+ years. Score: 90+ pts

Other fine wines by Domaine Skouras are available at the LCBO and through their Agent - Kolonaki Fine Wines & Spirits.

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Mega Spileo Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 (Greece) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is an excellent, single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from Greece that landed at the LCBO on the weekend as part of the March 30 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Mega Spileo Estate, an historic and significant monastery and winery situated near the town of Kalavryta, within the Achaea region of the Peloponnese in Southern Greece. Mega Spileo is intrinsically bound to one of the most significant religious monuments and reference points in Greek history, as it is the oldest continuously occupied institution in Greece and the 2nd oldest in the world. The estate is built inside a large cave overlooking the Vouraikos Gorge and provides stunning, natural surroundings.

The Monastery was established in 362 A.D. by brothers and monks Symeon and Theodore, after they discovered a Holy icon of the Virgin Mary made of mastic and wax deep within the cliffside cave. The monastery has functioned continuously ever since and is a beacon of Greek Orthodoxy despite the major destruction it suffered from several fires, the last of which was lit by German occupation forces in 1934. Miraculously, the Holy Icon has survived through all these disasters untouched.

Mega Spileo Estate owns 4 vineyards, but the first was The Great Vineyard, which was also a dependency of the monastery. From the mid-15th century onwards, the monks grew grapes on the Great Vineyard and produced wine for the Holy Communion and as a nutritious dietary supplement. The monks built a wine press, sleeping quarters, and chapel on the estate, and produced wine for themselves, visitors to the monastery, and for inhabitants of the wider region. The grapes were harvested and pressed in the vineyard, then the juice was transported by mule to the monastery where it would be stored in barrels in the cellar. It was during this time that the Monastery acquired two massive barrels and named them "Angelis" and "Stamatis", in honour of the coopers who made them. Each of these barrels could store 12 tonnes of wine. Unfortunately, Stamatis was destroyed in one of the great fires, while Angelis survives to the present day, along with some other smaller barrels.

During the period of Turkish rule, the Monastery was protected because Sultan Mehmed had promulgated a decree to protect it. When the Greek War of Independence broke out in 1821, resistance fighters sought refuge at the Monastery, where they could find money, bread, cheese and wine. The Mega Spileo Monastery played a crucial role throughout the war as it bolstered the faith and heroic efforts of the Greeks. Up until 1870, the monk population exceeded 200 people, while demand for foodstuffs and wine increased dramatically. Around 1930, the number of monks decreased dramatically, which meant that there were fewer hands to cultivate grapes, which led to reduced production of wine. By the mid-1950s, the Estate was completely abandoned because there were so few monks to tend to the grapes.

Today, Mega Spileo is guided by brothers Giannis & Theodoros Anastasiou. This new chapter began in 1999, when the Anastasiou brothers received a long-term lease on the Estate from the Monastery. The Anastasiou brothers are guided by their vision to revitalize the historical vineyard using a team of experienced wine producers and oenologists who re-planted vines and implemented best practices, including sustainable agriculture and environmental protection, for the cultivation and production of high-quality wine to create a completely new and unique Estate - The Mega Spileo Estate. Cultivating both local and international varieties, Mega Spileo produces top-quality products that have become a significant point of reference for Greek wine production.

This red wine is crafted using 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that was organically cultivated at their Mega Spileo Estate. It is from 3 hectares of vines at their Great Vineyard, situated at 820 metres above sea level and planted on clay, sand and pebble soil. After harvesting the grapes in mid-October, the grapes were pressed and remained in tanks until fermentation was completed. The wine was then transferred into French oak barrels to undergo malolactic fermentation, followed by maturation in barrels for at least 2 years. It was then bottled and spent 2 years in bottle for further maturation. To preserve its natural character, the wine did not undergo stabilization and filtering. Let's see how this 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon from Greece is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

MEGA SPILEO ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2015 - PGI Achaia, Greece (#539924) (XD) - $36.95
The medium-high to highly aromatic nose is intense and a touch funky brett off the top, revealing complex and maturing dark berry, black currant, dried herbs, and Asian spice aromas with hints of cassis, dried berry, savoury earth, and oak spice. On the dry, full-bodied palate it offers spicy and maturing dark berry, black currant, cassis, dried herbs, and spice flavours which are supported by fresh acidity. It's firmly structured with dusty textured and drying tannins. Dark berry notes give way to savoury earth flavours on the long, dry finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 92 pts

Limited availability of other lovely wines by Mega Spileo Estate can be found at the LCBO, while the entire range can be ordered through their Agent - Kolonaki Fine Wines & Spirits.

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