Kir-Yianni The North Assyrtiko 2024 (Greece) - Wine Review

After enjoying the excellent 2023 Kir-Yianni Le Nord Assyrtiko last year, tonight's white wine review is the latest vintage of this terrific, vegan wine that arrived at the LCBO as part of the feature story on Outdoor Dining in the May 24th LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by the renowned Greek winery, Kir-Yianni. The winery was established in 1997 by Yiannis Boutaris (1942-2024) of the renowned Boutaris wine family. Yiannis was one of the leading figures in the Greek wine industry right up until his passing last year.

Even though John Boutaris, Yiannis' grandfather, established the family's successful wine business, Boutari Wine Group, in 1879, Yiannis wanted to set his own path and established a vineyard in 1970 in the eastern foothills of Mt. Vermion, near the town of Naoussa. This vineyard would go on to become Ktima Kir-Yianni. In 1986, Yiannis planted 20 hectares of white wine varieties in the highlands to the west of Mt. Vermion, in the area of Amyndeon. In 1996, Yiannis purchased an old winery in the village of Agios Panteleimon, within the area of Amyndeon. A year later this site would go on to become the newly-built Kir-Yianni winery in Amyndeon, and the first vintage was vinified at the new winery that same year.

Today, Kir-Yianni is led by Stellios Boutaris, son of Yiannis, and the fifth generation of the Boutaris family of winemakers. In 1999, Stellios became the managing director of Kir-Yianni, and he was joined soon thereafter by his brother, Mihalis, who returned from his studies at UC Davis. The Boutaris brothers re-planted their 28 hectares of vineyards, focusing on both Greek and international varieties, but most importantly, ensuring that each varietal was planted on the most appropriate vineyard parcel.

Kir-Yianni's philosophy is based on ensuring a fine balance between the family's hundred-year-long tradition and the use of new and innovative winemaking techniques. Their goal is to produce appealing wines that reflect the potential of the Greek vineyard and its indigenous varieties, while also protecting the environment by using integrated farming principles. Moreover, Kir-Yianni takes proper care in the vineyard with strict selection on the vine, while in the cellar they micro-vinify and meticulously blend to ensure typicity, ageing potential, and consistent wine quality from vintage to vintage.

This white wine is crafted with 100% Assyrtiko that was grown in the PGI Florina appellation in "The North" of Greece, hence the name. More specifically, only selected vine parcels within the village of Agios Panteleimonas in Florina, at the unique plateau of Amyndeon, were chosen to craft this wine. This unique plateau of Amyndeon is the cooler wine region of Greece and consists of an exceptional mixture of elements, or terroir. This area is situated at high-altitude, between 600–700 metres above sea level, and has poor sandy soils on a stunning terrain of raw mountainous beauty. The four neighbouring lakes moderate the temperatures all year round, and contribute to the continental-ish climate with cold, often snowy winters, and mild summers. The area also experiences notable diurnal temperature variation, and the beneficial trademark to the area, wind blowing from the north.

For this wine, Kir-Yianni selected mostly young vines averaging 10 years in order to express Assyrtiko's mountainous expression. To craft this Assyrtiko, the grapes were hand-harvested over a couple of weeks in the middle of September and rigorously selected on a conveyor belt. It was completely vinified in stainless steel tanks and stayed in contact with its fine lees for 4 months.

The 2024 vintage was the warmest year ever recorded in the region. This meant that consistent, systematic work in the vineyard, and vigilance in monitoring weather data helped determine the best time to harvest each variety. Weather conditions were closer to normal after summer, which was beneficial for Assyrtiko as it ripened in more ideal conditions, while maintaining its aromas and acidity. Let's see how this 2024 Assyrtiko from northern Greece is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

KIR-YIANNI THE NORTH ASSYRTIKO 2024 - Vegan, IGP Florina, Greece (#25707) (XD) - $19.95
Enclosed by Stelvin screw cap. Fresh and fragrant, the lovely, medium-high intensity nose has leesy, ripe lemon citrus, and white floral aromas accented with herbals, mineral, pear, and grapefruit with hints of spice. The dry, medium+ bodied palate is ripe and gently honeyed with spice, lemon citrus, grapefruit, pear, herbals, and leesy mineral flavours. It has crisp, fresh, and vibrant acidity, along with a slightly chalky mineral texture and spice notes on the mid-palate. Juicy and fresh with savoury, leesy minerals, and lemon citrus notes lingering on the very long, well-balanced finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 91 pts

Other fine wines by Kir-Yianni are available at the LCBO, while the full range can be ordered through their Agent - Kolonaki Fine Wines & Spirits.

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Boutari Naoussa Xinomavro 2021 (Greece) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is the emblematic and lovely Xinomavro from Naoussa in Greece that arrived at the LCBO in the recent March 15 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Boutari, one of Greece's most historic and influential wineries. Boutari Winery was established in 1879 in Northern Greece in Naoussa, Macedonia, by Ioannis Boutaris. In 1906, Mr. Boutaris built the city's first privately-owned winery and retail cellar, while also launching the production of the first Greek red wine that was bottled under the now-renowned "Naoussa Boutari" label.

By the mid-1930s, Stelios Boutaris, son of Ioannis, took over the reins of the family business and began exporting wines to other countries in 1935. Stelios also built a second winery in Naoussa and laid the foundation for years to come. In 1968, Giannis and Konstantinos Boutaris, the two sons of Stelios, took over the winery, ventured into vine growing by purchasing a vineyard in Imathia, and propelled the company to new heights, while also shaping it into what it is today. A decade later, Boutari inaugurated their new, state-of-the-art winery in Stenimachos, Naoussa. This flagship winery remains the centre of production, bottling, and ageing today.

The 1980s were a time of growth as Boutari expanded their operations to most of the major wine-producing regions in Greece. The Boutaris family also became actively involved in the cultural, social, and economic growth of their host communities, while also highlighting each region's unique identity and vine-growing qualities. During this period, Boutari also experimented with the cultivation of Greek and foreign varieties to create new wines that are mainstays of the current portfolio. Boutari has continued to grow and expand throughout the years, garnering numerous accolades along the way.

Boutari has wineries situated in the most important wine-producing regions of Greece - Mantineia, Naoussa, and Goumenissa. This particular red wine is from their Naoussa estate winery, which is situated on the eastern edge of Vermio in the region of Macedonia in Northern Greece. It was in Naoussa where Boutari's journey began. While viticulture in the Naoussa area is deeply rooted in the past, Boutari's presence has been decisive not only for the preservation of the Xinomavro variety during times when viticulture was threatened, but also for the promotion and recognition of the variety and the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) zone of Naoussa. This achievement was realized by producing excellent and historically significant wines.

Emblematic of modern Greek wine history, this Boutari Naoussa is one of the first Greek red bottled PDO wines and constitutes a landmark for red wines in Greece. It is crafted using 100% Xinomavro that was vinified by a 24-hour cold maceration (with a small percentage bled off for rosé production), followed by a controlled alcoholic fermentation with selected yeast strains at 20–27°C. The wine underwent a gentle extraction with few pumpovers prior to starting malolactic fermentation. It was matured in 5th- and 6th-use French oak barrels for 12 months, then filtered with sheet filtration prior to bottling.

The vintage in 2021 in Naoussa began with a relatively warm winter, with rainfall mainly limited to January. The first two months of spring were cold with little rainfall, which resulted in a later than normal budbreak and flowering, while May was relatively warm and dry. June featured relatively high temperatures and sufficient rainfall, which led to intense vegetative growth and larger grapes. Summer was particularly hot, with increased diurnal temperature ranges between day and night, and reduced rainfall, conditions which stressed the vines and delayed ripening. The first half of September presented ideal conditions for late-ripening varieties such as Xinomavro, while the latter half of the month featured low nighttime temperatures and autumn rains making their first appearance, which benefited the plants. Xinomavro was the last variety to be harvested, and it was completed prior to the rains that began in Naoussa on October 5th. From a vintage that produced positive results, let's see how this 2021 Naoussa Xinomavro from Greece is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

BOUTARI NAOUSSA XINOMAVRO 2021 - PDO Naoussa, Macedonia, Greece (#23218) (XD) - $20.95
The medium+ to medium-high intensity nose has maturing aromas of dried dark red cherry and rose floral with woody, savoury earth, and cinnamon accents, plus whiffs of fresh lemon citrus. On the dry, medium-full to full-bodied palate it has a lovely, maturing flavour profile of dried cherry, floral, oak spice, cinnamon, and earthy replays, plus some sour cherry notes. It's supported by juicy, lemony-sour acidity, alongside medium-firm structured tannins. Savoury earth, mineral, and cinnamon notes linger on the long, fairly firm, sour-edged, and juicy finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90 pts

A couple of other wines by Boutari are available at the LCBO, while the full portfolio can be ordered through their Agent - Kolonaki Fine Wines & Spirits.

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Kir-Yianni Cuvée Villages Xinomavro 2021 (Greece) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is an excellent, vegan-certified Xinomavro that is featured as a Food & Drink Discovery and was part of the Women in Wine theme in last weekend's March 1st LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

Like the excellent 2023 Kir-Yianni Le Nord Assyrtiko I enjoyed last year, this red wine is produced by Kir-Yianni, a renowned Greek winery that was established in 1997 by the late Yiannis Boutaris (1942-2024). From the renowned Boutaris family, Yiannis was one of the leading figures in the Greek wine industry right up until his passing last year.

Yiannis left the family's wine business to chart his own path in the eastern foothills of Mt. Vermion, in Yianakohori, near the town of Naoussa, where he planted 40 hectares of Xinomavro vines in 1970. This vineyard would go on to become the Ktima Kir-Yianni. More vines would be planted in 1985, followed by the acquisition of an old winery in 1996 in the village of Agios Panteleimon. A year later, the old winery was completely rebuilt to become the new Ktima Kir-Yianni, with the first vintage entirely vinified at the new winery.

Today, Kir-Yianni is led by Yiannis' son, Stellios Boutaris, who is the fifth generation of the Boutaris family of winemakers. After becoming managing director of Kir-Yianni in 1999, Stellios was joined soon thereafter by his brother, Mihalis, who had returned from his studies at UC Davis. During this period, there was intense experimentation and research on the Xinomavro varietal. The results of these experiments were a new generation of Xinomavro wines borne in 2003, along with 28 hectares of vines that were re-planted mainly with Xinomavro and other Greek varieties between 2004 and 2006. In 2009, Kir-Yianni acquired another 10 hectares of vineyards to become 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 and protecting the environment. The core practices at Kir-Yianni include taking care of the vineyard, implementing strict selection policies on the vine and in the cellar, micro-vinification, and meticulously blending, thus endowing Kir-Yianni wines with typicity, ageing potential, and consistent quality from vintage to vintage. At Kir-Yianni, sustainability is both a philosophy and a vital business decision that entails dedication, realism, and systematic investment, and in 2023 they started their journey to carbon neutrality.

Margarita Koumpiou is the reason why this wine is part of the Women in Wine feature in this VINTAGES Release. Margarita holds an integrated master's degree in crop science, an honours M.A. in oenology, and a diploma in food and beverage quality management. At Kir-Yianni, Margarita is an oenologist and works closely with Stellios.

This red wine is crafted using 100% Xinomavro that was grown in various villages across PDO Naoussa. More specifically, it was crafted using a strict selection of estate-grown grapes from younger vines, as well as parcels from small vine growers. The villages of Naoussa offer an interesting diversity of terroir, including their hilly terrains, altitude, slope, soil structure, and orientation, conditions which provide an intriguing mixture of meso-climates. To vinify this wine, the grapes were immediately cooled upon hand-harvesting, then underwent a rigorous grape selection on a conveyor belt. The grapes were then cold soaked at low temperatures for 6 days, followed by fermentation in stainless steel tanks at temperatures of 20–23°C for 12 to 15 days. After undergoing malolactic fermentation, the wine was matured mainly in 225- and 500-litre French oak barrels for 12 months in a combination of new and 3rd to 5th use barrels. The first blend was made on the 6th month of maturation, while the final blend was completed just before bottling.

The 2021 growing season in Naoussa began with a typical winter, followed by a cool March that resulted in a longer time for budbreak to complete. Dry conditions with significant diurnal variation in April and May led to a slightly early flowering, while summer began with hail in June, which decreased yields in the affected areas. July and August were characterized by long heatwaves and dry conditions, which resulted in the rapid (and positive) development of veraison in early August. From September onwards, weather conditions were typical and back to ideal standards, which allowed for the full ripening of Xinomavro. To ensure optimum ripeness, the grapes were handpicked in stages from late-September to mid-October. From a different year with positive results and great uniformity, let's see how this 2021 Xinomavro from Greece is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

KIR-YIANNI CUVÉE VILLAGES XINOMAVRO 2021 - Vegan, PDO Naoussa, Greece (#14151) (XD) - $18.00
Fragrant, intense, and slightly perfumed nose of red and dark cherry, rose floral, and touches of orange peel layered over savoury earth, plus accents of oak spice and sun-dried tomato adding further intrigue and complexity. On the dry, medium-full bodied palate it has lovely ripe red & black cherry, blackberry, savoury earth, oak spice, sun-dried tomato, and rose floral flavours supported by juicy acidity and well-structured, medium-firm, and fairly grippy tannins that are youthful, yet approachable. Cherry, earthy, and floral notes with a slight tang and some minerality lingering on the very long finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 91 pts

Several other fantastic wines by Kir-Yianni are available at the LCBO, while the full range can be ordered through their Agent - Kolonaki Fine Wines & Spirits.

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Domaine Skouras Cuvée Prestige Agiorgitiko / Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 (Greece) - Wine Review

Happy New Year! For tonight's red wine review, I'm starting off the new year with this terrific Smart Buy from Greece that is a brand-new arrival in this Saturday's LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection on January 4th - and already widely available for purchase across Ontario.

Like the excellent 2023 Skouras Wild Ferment Assyrtiko that I enjoyed a couple of months ago, this red wine is produced by Domaine Skouras, a well-known winery based in the Nemea wine region that is dedicated to producing exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of Greece.

Domaine Skouras was established in 1986 by George Skouras in the small village of Pyrgela, on the outskirts of the city of Argos, in the Peloponnese peninsula of southern Greece. He established the winery in his homeland following his studies in oenology in Dijon, Burgundy. George then created a boutique winery in the village of Gymno, in northeastern Peloponnese, within the Nemea appellation, where he performed countless hours of manual work on a minuscule scale, while learning invaluable lessons about the Agiorgitiko variety and the Nemea denomination.

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. Established in 2004, this ultra-modern winemaking facility is situated among vineyards in an area that is blessed with ideal winegrowing conditions, particularly Agiorgitiko. The facility was designed to ensure proper and thorough procedures of the highest standards in all aspects from wine production to bottling to ageing, while also offering a first-class experience for visitors. George and his wife, Ourania, continue to work at the winery and are joined by their two children - Dimitris and Stella. Dimitris studied Viticulture and Oenology in France, while Stella is a graduate of Economics and Marketing studies in Scotland.

The philosophy at Skouras that permeates through each step from vineyard to bottle is reflected in the words: purity, varietal clarity, tracing of the region's mesoclimate, and the imprint of the terroir. Everyone in the team at Skouras works, observes, supervises, acts and reacts, advises and consults with the goal of achieving optimum ripeness and obtaining the best possible grape. The premise behind this goal is that the better the fruit, the better the wine. With better fruit, Skouras wines show all the hallmarks of their creator with intensity, vibrancy, and complexity, characteristics which are expressed with elegance, grace, and nobility. In Domaine Skouras, the wines are engraved with the character of their terroir.

This red wine is crafted using 90% Agiorgitiko and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, with both grapes grown in the winegrowing region of Nemea. It would have been classified as PDO Nemea, Greece's most important appellation, if it was 100% Agiorgitiko, but is instead classified as the regional appellation of PGI Peloponnese. The Agiorgitiko was harvested in the middle of September from 26-year-old vines grown in clay soil at 650 metres above sea level, while the Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested at the end of August from 21-year-old vines grown in sandy soil at 500 metres above sea level. To vinify this wine, the grapes underwent alcoholic fermentation and extraction in stainless steel vats at 23˚C for 6 days, followed by full malolactic fermentation in vats, and short ageing on its fine lees.

The growing season in Greece 2023 proved to be somewhat challenging as it was a warm vintage, with water scarcity and the prevalence of downy mildew, conditions which resulted in reduced yields. However, the quality of this vintage is promising and looks high indeed. Let's see how this 2023 Greek red wine is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

DOMAINE SKOURAS CUVÉE PRESTIGE AGIORGITIKO / CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2023 - PGI Peloponnese, Greece (#38581) (XD) - $14.95 $13.00
Enclosed by screw cap, this unoaked blend of 90% Agiorgitiko and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon has a fruity, medium-high intensity nose that delivers ripe red & black berry, cranberry, black cherry, mulberry, and brambly aromas with hints of spice, and dried herbs adding savoury complexity. It has good weight on the medium-full bodied and dry palate with delicious ripe red & black berry, cran-cherry, plum, and dried herb flavours with touches of stony minerality. Quite savoury on the mid-palate, along with fresh, juicy acidity. Tannins are smooth, refined, and lightly structured. It's nicely balanced and harmonious throughout with plummy berry notes tapering to savoury minerals on the lengthy, gently grippy finish. Really well-made and a smart buy! Score: 89 pts

Several fine wines by Domaine Skouras are available in various quantities at the LCBO, while the full range can be ordered through their Agent - Kolonaki Fine Wines & Spirits.

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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 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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