GreekSwedish ventures in shipbuilding or pharmaceuticals are not unusual In wine This recently founded estate with its own vineyards at Aghios Pavlos in Chalkidiki is a labour of love by Lena Kapsali the Swedenbased expoliceman Jannis Sevastidis and psychiatrist Karl Erik Floven Ampelou Choras guiding light consulting agronomistoenologist Spyros Katopodis has been known to me for years I first met him toiling in Ossa north of Thessaloniki at the cellar of the Zorbalike master distiller Anestis Babatzimopoulos Spyross good looks boyish grin and sense of humour cut a popular figure in the world of technicians He belongs to a clutch of specialists who studied not in France but in Italy Torino crops up when discussing viticultural and winemaking approaches To a nontechnician such as myself the dynamics in grape blends can be endlessly fascinating Even lesserthoughtof grapes seem somehow to morph into something that grabs ones attention This new to me Athiri and Muscat of Alexandria is anything but humdrum Knowing when to pick each grape is crucial Athiris broader issue continues as it is nearly always picked overripe Ampelographer Haroula Spinthiropoulou who farms it in Naoussa believes that when picked ABV11 it delivers its delicate and insistent character On Rhodes where this grape is ubiquitous her point increasingly makes sense A high for this mediumacidity white grape is that around February it smells of thyme But I digress In theory Katopodiss choice of grapes unusual though it be does not spike ones curiosity at first In tasting it overdelivers All this happens in the playground of Chalkidiki which is better known for its pictureperfect landscape of pine trees caressing crystalline waters sandy coves and beaches delicious seafood Now if you are expecting a gorgeous Swedish mermaid to leap out of an aforementioned cove into the picture I am going to disappoint
Seductive floral nose with jasmine and fresh grape scents Vivacious peachy Elegant blossoming finish with the creamy Athiri coming through Cleverly crafted Easy drinking but enough going on 70 Athiri 30 Muscat of Alexandria to maintain interest Different from a sea of wines in this style Best 20132015
Wine: Ampelou Chora
Year: 2011
Link: http://www.ampelouchora.gr
Score: 16
Type: White
Variety: Athiri
Area: Macedonia