Sorry for the delay in not getting this out sooner. To be honest, it’s Bruce’s fault for making this look so easy, when it’s actually a lot of work!
For this Friday Flight we’re going to Greece! I’ve enjoyed visiting Greece but am slightly out of my comfort zone on Greek wines, so I’m excited to dive in and learn alongside everyone. We’ll be tasting wines from Cyprus, Santorini, Naoussa, Cephalonia, Peloponnese and Amyndeon.
While we might not think of Greek wine the same way we think of other European wine, it played a major role in early viticulture. Greece is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world and among the first wine-producing territories in Europe. There’s evidence of the earliest crushed grapes in Greece dating back 6,500 years.
Let’s start at ZOE Estate in Peloponnese. Viticulture and wine-making in Peloponnese are two of the earliest activities since antiquity. Ancient Greek mythology attests to the fact that wine was an integral part of people’s everyday life; it was related to the foundation of cities and the creation of myths, it was associated with gods and was of major importance in religious, burial, secular ceremonies and sports games. ZOE White is a blend of Roditis and Moscafilerio with aromas of fresh flowers and tastes like citrus, jasmine with a hint on mint. Think of this a Tuesday night wine while cooking.
ZOE White 2023 $17.00
For over 4,000 years, the rich, spicy red wines of the relatively frigid Macedonia region, especially those of Naoussa, have been highly regarded. Legend has it that Semele, mother of Dionysus—the Greek god of wine and fertility—called the area home. Domaine Kir-Yianni established in 1997 is one of the leading wineries in the region. We will be tasting the Xinomavro “Cuvée Villages” made of 100% Xinomavro. Xinomavro is described as having a magical aroma with black fruit, violets and olive pulp.
Domaine Kir-Yianni “Cuvée Villages” 2020 $22
The island of Cephalonia has a great wine-growing tradition. Grape cultivation in Greece goes back to the Neolithic times, while the Greek colonization throughout the Mediterranean was probably responsible for spreading the viticulture in the area. Wine that tastes like honey and has the colour of ruby was also mentioned in the Homeric Poems. Haritatos has been making wine since 1863 from the Mavrodaphne grape. The wines are fresh and bright with with dusty tannin, red fruits, bay leaves and forest floor.
Haritatos Mavrodaphne “Mademoiselle 2021 $28
Now over to Cyprus to taste a wine from Makarounas. Cyprus has been a vine-growing and wine-producing country for millennia and wine used to be a major factor of the Cypriot diet. There is archeological evidence that winemaking on the Mediterranean island may have existed as many as 6000 years ago. The Cabernet Franc from Makarounas has notes of black fruit, plums, and a floral component.
Makarounas Estate Cabernet Franc 2023 $25
Crete boasts a wine tradition that is 4000 years old! Archaeological finds of the oldest vineyard in Europe, unearthed in the area of Kato Zakro, attest to this. The oldest winepress was discovered in nearby Archanes, aged over 3500 years. We will be tasting Laitiko from Douloufakis. Liatiko has a relatively low color intensity, verging on the garnet. Liatiko wine is intense, with rich, ripe red fruit and sweet spices. The palate is full, with high levels of alcohol, low and very soft tannins.
Douloufakis Laitiko 2020 $21
Many consider Domaine Sigalas as one of the finest wineries of Greece. Located on the island of Santorini where grapes have been continuously cultivated for over 3,000 years on its volcanic soils. The main grape is Assyrtiko which thrives in the volcanic-ash rich soils of the island and produces a wine with intense minerality, depth and concentration. White flower, mango, citrus and peach.
Domaine Sigalas “AA” 2022 $38
Back to Peloponese to taste a wine from Domaine Skouras. This domaine was established in 1986 by George Skouras and boasts some of the most sought after wines from Greece. The grape is St George and it is native to this region of Greece. It produces a medium-bodied wine with hints of tobacco, spices, clove, cinnamon and black pepper.
Domaine Skouras Agiogitiko St George 2021 $22
Amyndeon (also known as Amynteo) is a plateau located in north-west Macedonia in Greece (not to be confused with the landlocked country Republic of Macedonia to the north). It sits just west of the famous PDO of Naousa where some of Greece’s finest and most expensive red wines are produced. We’ll be tasting a Xinomavro from the Alpha Estate. Bright purple-red color. Intense and complex red and black fruits with firm tannin and finish.
Alpha Estate Xinomavro “Hedgehog” 2021 $27
As a reminder, I offer wines by the glass every day that Vino is open, so stop by any time! We will keep the patio open as long as the weather holds, and as always have plates, napkins and platters
available for your snacks.
I hope to see you Friday,
Scott
Friday Flights 4:30 – 8:00
VINO HOURS:
Tuesday 11:00 – 7:00 PM
Wednesday 11:00 – 7:00 PM
Thursday 11:00 – 7:00 PM
Friday 11:00 – 8:00 PM
Saturday 11:00 – 7:00 PM
Sunday 12:00 – 7:00 PM
Monday closed
Vino Wine Shop
(503) 928-2843
vinoshoppdx@gmail
