The beauty of each bottle of wine in the box sent to me as samples from Eklektikon, an importer of wine from boutique wineries in northern Greece, was striking. Art as an integral part of the label was modern, suggestive, fluid, and mesmerizing and gave me another reason to engage in some art and wine appreciation! Eklektikon states on its website that each wine is a “museum in a bottle” and I couldn’t agree more. Once again, I am reminded that tasting wine can be yet another way to understand the culture of a country. In this case (literally!), the art on the bottle indicated what may be inside of these wines from northern Greece…
Staphylus produced by Chatzivariti
But of course the beloved mythology is involved! Staphylus (named another I’m sure before this incident!) was in charge of herding goats…one of which was a bit of renegade who tended to loiter after the others – yet what was that goat doing?? Apparently, Staphylus discovered that the goat was eating the succulent grapes from the vine and naturally enjoying the results! The name Staphylus given to the responsible shepherd means “grape” in Greek! And yes, the grapes in these wines were succulent and I, too, enjoyed the results!!
**Staphylus White 2010 – This crisp white from PDO Goumenissa was a snappy addition to our new year’s revelry and was deemed “a good party white” by one of our guests! Consisting of 50% Assyrtiko and 50% Sauvignon Blanc, this wine from organically grown grapes expressed a different terroir than the En Oeno White 2011 which used the same combination of grapes cultivated in PGI Macedonia. With minerality, vanilla, and some olive oil on the nose, it delivered high acidity, light citrus with some grapefruit and a medium finish which was satisfying. We paired the Staphylus White with an array of breads and cheeses as well as fresh shrimp. You can purchase this wine for $22.00.
**Staphylus Red 2010 – The medium ruby color and aromas of dark red fruits including raspberries, blueberries, and vanilla spice were intriguing (did the goat feel the same way??) in this wine of 70% Xinomavro and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Slopes of Paiko. The dry mouthfeel with mild yet chewy tannins, and high acid (yet tempered by the Cabernet Sauvignon) led to tastes of more red fruits. I absolutely loved this wine and it is enjoyable now, yet it is young and you may consider adding your bottle to the cellar for a few years to allow more vegetal and complex flavors to evolve. The cost of this wonderful wine is $$21.00~
Oenosophist produced by Oenogenesis
I have many friends and even a family member who has solid Greek roots. One common denominator is that they are true foodies and enjoy waxing poetic about anything and everything! Apparently Athenaeus described these endeavors in his important tome, Deipnosophistae, which after a few glasses of wine means “dinner philosophers”! (Thanks to the Eklektikon website for sharing this although I have paraphrased the anecdote..) And what does Oenosophist have to do with this?? The name means “wine-wise” and relates to extraordinary Greek winemaking! Agreed~
**Oenosophist White 2009 – A lovely combination of 55% Sauvignon Blanc, 30% Ugni Blanc, and 15% Semillon from PGI Drama provided one of the most aromatic white wines I have had in quite a while. Its gold appearance in the glass and aromas of stone fruit, vanilla spice, and minerality were enticing. Well balanced with just the right amount of alcohol, acidity, and fruit, I loved the tastes of apricots, ripe peaches, and vanilla as well as its lingering finish. This wine was aged for up to six months in three types of French oak. The suggested retail price is $30.00 and I will find this beauty again to be sure!
**Oenosophist Red 2008 – Wow! In the glass, this wine was very dark-almost inky black but in retrospect, why should I have been surprised? With 50% Xinomavro literally meaning “acid black” and 50% Merlot contributing mildness, this wine had aromas of spice, deep earth, mushrooms. After breathing for thirty minutes or more, I tasted cherries, vanilla spice, chocolate..then slight mushroom and tomato began to come forth. A rich finish led me to believe that this, too, is a wine which could be enjoyed now or given the opportunity to age just a bit longer for those complex flavors all of the “dinner philosophers” love to discuss! From PGI Macedonia, the Oenosophist Red 2008 is available for $38.00.
Just as literature, music, food, geography, architecture, and simply talking to those who want to share their heritage help us learn about and engage in a certain culture, “wine appreciation” of that country is just as critical!! I am grateful to Eklektikon for offering me the chance to appreciate these delicious wines from northern Greece. I hope you have the same opportunity ~
γεια μας ~ Cindy
