In May, the Greeks came to town with their winemakers in tow and a wanton willingness to teach what makes Greek wine so special.
Today, at the Thompson hotel in Toronto, in the confines of their beautiful basement, a group of writers met to taste an assortment of wines from three Greek houses: Domaine Gerovassiliou, Biblia Chora and Domaine Katsaros.
Gerovassiliou …
Established in 1981 by Evangelos Gerovassiliou, located approximately 25km southwest of Thessaloniki (time to get out a map of Greece). Today the winery has 48 hectares of planted vines with a mix of international and indigenous varieties.
Wines of Gerovassiliou …
Three were tried, a Petite Syrah/Viogner blend, a 50/50 blend of Assyrtiko and Malagousia (white), and a straight 100% Viognier. The 2008 Viognier was delightfully floral with nice tropicallity on the nose, almost Gewurztraminer-like, with some soapy-spicy nuances. The palate proved to be very nice indeed with tropical, citrus and good acidity for balance. (*** ½+)
Biblia Chora …
A project of two oenologists Vassilis Tsaktsarlis and Vangelis Gerovassiliou, with a property that covers 15 hectares and grows an interesting blend of international and domestic grapes.
Wines of Biblia Chora …
2009 Ovilos Blanc, a 50/50 blend of Assyrtiko and Semillon that has received plenty of accolades and awards. The nose is full of tropical fruit with grapefruit/citrus backing. Palate is a mix of grapefruit sour with kiwi sweet, producing a long lasting and delicious finish … refreshing, clean and tasty. (*** ½+)
The other wine poured was the 2009 Areti, made with 100% Assyrtiko (another white). Big 14% alcohol is hidden in the folds of pineapple and citrus on the nose with a sweet fruited palate, where you’ll find tropical and citrus along with a touch of vanilla for added depth of flavour. Good acidity keeps this wine is balance. (*** ½+)
Katsaros …
A small family owned winery started in 1985 in the Mt. Olympus region near the village of Krania, here they grow just three grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay.
Wines of Katsaros …
We only tasted the one: 2009 Chardonnay, which was very tight and needs time to come into its own.
Lunch …
Pictures to follow, but check out that dessert, it was almost too pretty to eat … I said almost (and it was delicious), and it was paired with a bottle of 2004 Late Harvest Malagousia, which was exquisite.
Miso and Aji Mirin Marinated Black Cod with Wilted Baby Bok Choy and Enoki and Pearl Barley Risotto |
Too Cool Dessert ... Passion Fruit and White Chocolate Parfait |
1 comment:
My exciting take...
**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Biblia Chora Ovilos Blanc 50% assyrtiko/50% Semillon. Gold Medalist.
$28 in SAQ.
***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Biblia Chora Areti 2009 100% assyrtiko. Gold Medalist. About $22.
-Domaine Gerovassiliou Viognier 2008. Gold Medalist. About $30.
-Domaine Gerovassiliou Evangelo 2006 92% petite sirah/8% viognier.
About $50.
*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Domaine Gerovassiliou White 2009 assyrtiko/malagousia (50/50). Gold
Medalist. $19.95 Vintages
-Domaine Katsaros Estate Chardonnay 2009. Gold Medalist. About $30.
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