Assyrtiko originates in Santorini It is now grown with great success on other Aegean islands such as Paros more recently on Tinos It is different on the mainland gentler of less in your face mineral intensity Measurable acreage is to be found also in Eastern Central and now Western Macedonia where Argatia the recently established vineyards and winery is located Haroula Spinthiropoulou wears many hats Ampelographer and researcher Active in viticultural consulting services and author In establishing with her husband Panayiotis Georgiadis this new tiny but ambitious venture she now says I must now learn how to make wine Her sounding board for technical matters is Vassilis Marinos Head of the successful Thessaloniki based Ampelooeniki Laboratory and Consulting Services Her choice of white grapes speaks volumes Assyrtiko the fashionable at the moment Malagousia and the underappreciated Athiri Some of you may be bored count me in on this with just another Assyrtiko and Co blend Yet this wine is so different It goes beyond the all Greek experience There is a statement here A fact foreign judges at the recently held 9th Thessaloniki International Wine Competition see wwwwineroadsgr were quick to pick up on Over lunch it was one of their favourites Sales excluding could a wine producer wish for a higher endorsement
Intense nose of green tea and summer herbs Fat alternating with sappy flavours Weight and structure Mouth filling tasty extract Rich leesy lively aftertaste with a botanical hint of thyme Though still tight there is much going on here A novelty for the region With its attractive Assyrtiko derived phenolic bite very much a food wine Lukewarm fava puree drenched in olive oil adorned with crisp caper leaves Slowly cooked spit roasted lamb Mmm
Wine: Argatia
Year: 2008
Link: http://www.argatia.gr/
Score: 17
Type: White
Variety: Assyrtiko
Area: Macedonia