Romeiko rolls on
I rarely talk up labels as the content is what interests me mostly. Is it articulate? Does it capture a picture? What memories does it invoke? Am I enjoying it in the now with the plate of food in front of me? Occasionally a new approach in graphics comes along worth noting or commenting. Actually it was the rediscovered western Crete grape Romeiko that brought me to the new artwork of this wine now in it’s third vintage. It also reminded of how little attention numerous wineries pay to packaging. Most look like a lukewarm afterthoughts and are as creative as our shopping list stickers on our refrigerators.
Alexandra Manousakis started to paint again. She then boldly decorated her friends apartment with modern bright abstract designs. Having found her point of departure she is now exploring other creative routes ahead. The new Nostos Pink 2017 label has similar themed artwork found on cavernous cellar of Salis restaurant overlooking the Venetian port of Chania. Prior to these life giving paintings the arched cellar was dull and dark. Now it has a life of it’s own, adding depth and a playfulness helping the minds eye to travel.
She adds: ” The label is a step back from the fake world of social media, to relax, enjoy a glass of wine, take a deep breath, communicate”. Hear, hear. It reminded me of conversation on the creative process with composer Laoura Gini ”we have no idea what we have deep within us” . So, AM has tapped into her previously unknown to us artistic streak. Though art is personal and speaks to us on several levels it has this to say on the label. It is attention grabbing. The colours and quality of the embossed print work is of the highest quality. It gives it gravitas that thought went in to the packaging and yes there is more than one connection with the liquid in the bottle. Rosé should be fun so enjoy discovering both packaging and the relationship with the wine. Above all this rosé is a chameleon in it’s gastronomic talents. It seems at ease with the summery tomato dishes and at home with most sea protein or brilliantly complementing numerous eastern Med small plates. Who knows, it may encourage one to ones away from that wretched screen which will help you rediscover beauty in the smallest things around you. Now is that not worth…celebrating?
A blend of 15% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 45% Romeiko: giving it lift and botanical freshness from lower altitude vineyards. It is the 14%ABV which gives a false ‘sweetness’, it is actually bone dry. Thankfully not another pale Provence styled pink. Orange hued-pink. Approachable juicy tropical flavours on the round soft earthy ending finish. A very clear picture of a Rhone-Cretan cocktail. Romeiko rolls on showing how usefully versatile this forgotten grape really is. Drink 2018-2021.
Wine: NOSTOS PINK
Year: 2017
Score: 16,5/20
Type: Rose
Variety: Grenache. Romeiko, Syrah
Area: Crete