Wednesday, 4 November 2009

Greek Wines

Hi all,  I am embarking on a new chapter in the blog that is going to discuss Greek wines and foods that are extremely important factors for those planning a wedding in Greece!




If the last time you have tried a Greek wine was in the days when retsina and Domestica were the only options, then you are in for a pleasant surprise. The winemakers have come along in leaps and bounds and are now becoming recognised worldwide as some of the best wines in the world.

As it is impossible to keep your finger on the pulse and make an informed decision regarding what wine to serve are your wedding reception, I aim to give a simple yet concise overview of what is available, the vineyards that are in my opinion ones to watch and of course the ones to try in the run up to your wedding!

So let's get started with my favourite variety of wine that is Moschofilero, which is mainly produced in the Peloponnese region and especially in the Mantinia area. The wine is an aromatic white, with floral, spicy and citrus flavours.

This type of wine is best served with hors d'oeuvres and any foods that contain olive oil, onion or lemon as it really accentuates the flavors.

Some producers of the Moschofilero variety to look out for are: Skouras (average price 6-7 EUROS), Semeli (9 EUROS ), Mercouri and Domain Spiropoulos (9 EUROS).

Assyrtiko, is another flavourable very dry white wine, initially produced on Santorini island, now also in other areas around Greece. The wine has earthy tones, a steely, citrusy flavour which comes from the volcanic earth on the island.

This wine is best served with fish or seafood.

The producer that we suggest you look out for is Ktima Gerovasileiou (12 EUROS), Chatzimichali (11 EUROS) and Amethystos by Lazaridi (11 EUROS).

Agiorgitiko, a full bodied red wine produced in the Peloponnese and especially the Nemea area, this spicy, plummy wine is an excellent choice to be served with grilled tuna, Greek spicy sausages, souvlaki, roast chicken or other traditional meat based dishes.

The labels to look out for are Nemea (14 EUROS), Skouras (10 EUROS) and Vivlia Chora (16 EUROS)










Below is a list of the award winning Greek wines:

BOUTARIS
Naoussa Grande Reserve
'88
1994 Selections Mondials (Canada), Best Greek Wine


CARRAS
Chateau Carras
'90
1991 Citadelle D' Or


GEROVASILIOU
Ktima Gerovasiliou
'90
1990 Bordeaux, amongst the eight best wines in the world


SEMELI
Attikos Topikos

1994 Concours Mondials Bruxelles, Commendation
1993 Vinexpo Bordeaux, Silver Medal
1995 Vinexpo Bordeaux, Bronze

Semeli Red
1994 Concours Mondials Bruxelles, Commendation

Chateau Semeli
1994 Concours Mondials Bruxelles, Bronze Medal
1993 Vinexpo France, Silver Medal

Semeli Nemea
1989,1991 Wine Magazine International Challenge London, Bronze Medal
1990 Wine Magazine International Challenge London, Commendation
1990 Concours Mondials Bruxelles, Bronze Medal
1994 Concours Mondials Bruxelles, Commendation
1991 Concours Int'l De Degustation France, Silver Medal
1992 Challenge Int'l Du Vin France, Silver Medal
1993 Challenge Int'l Du Vin France, Gold Medal


HATZIMIHALI
Hatzimihali White
'93
1994 London, Silver Medal, Best Greek White

Ktima Hatzimihali, Ambelon '93
1994 Bruxelles, Diplome D' Honnneur
1994 London, Silver Medal

Ktima Hatzimihali, Chardonnay '91 '93
1992 Wine America, 2nd prize for Chardonnay
1994 Wine America, 1st prize for Chardonnay
1994 Bruxelles, Diplome D' Honneur

Ktima Hatzimihali, Cabernet Sauvignon '
1994 Bruxelles, Silver Medal ('92 vintage)
(1988, '89, '90, '91 vintages), awarded in New York and London

Hatzimihali, Cava White '92
1994 Wine America, 1st Golde Prize in White Wine category

Ktima Hatzimihali, Merlot '92
1993 Wine America, Silver Medal in Red Wine category
1994 Wine America, Silver Medal in Red Wine category
1994 Bruxelles, Diplome D' Honneur
1994 London, Bronze Medal
1993, 1994 Wine & Spirits Gold, Best Greek Wine, and amongst the 50 best wines in the world

Hatzimihali, Cava Red '90
1994 Wine America, Gold Medal in Red category
1994 Bruxelles, Diplome D' Honneur, Prestige category
1994 London, Silver Medal in Red Wine category


KOURTAKIS
Kouros, Patra

1989 Vinexpo Trophy
1990 Eurobest Packaging Trophy


KTIMA MERCOURI
Ktima Mercouri

1994 Concours Mondials Bruxelles, Bronze Medal ('92 vintage)


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