Yesterday I ventured into the unknown territory of varietals with names like Ofthamalmo,Vamvakada, Maratheftiko & Spourtiko. I like to try things I've never tasted or heard of when at a event like this, why try yet another Cabernet or Chardonnay if you have the chance to catch a buzz on something you can't even pronounce stone cold sober.
The whites for the most part where pretty standard highly acidic, stony, very lemony & fresh.
Nothing really stood out from the group I sampled made from the local variety Xinisteri although a few had slight floral notes. Most aged in steel, very short finish and on the whole just simple quaffers.
The reds had a very strange nose that was unfamiliar to me. Most where highly aromatic exhibiting some vegetal characteristics cutting to strong gamey or cured red meat aromas. One even reminded me of roasting lamb.
The blends stood out in the crowd. I especially liked Saint Timon 2003 made with a blend of Mataro/Cabernet Sauvignon. This strongly structured wine aged 6 months in French oak was very well balanced. The nose & palate had profiles of leather, forest floor and the same funky gamey meat that didn't work for me in the Mataro as a single varietal wine. Not yet available in US markets it was produced by Vasa Winery located in the Laona region, one of the 4 viticuluture regions bearing the right to use the designation WCAO or Wines of Controlled Appellation of Origin.
One other that stood out was Agios Onoufrios 2005. This red blended from Ofthalmo, Lefkada, Mouverde & Cabernet Sauvignon was outstanding! The play of local Cyprian grapes against Cabernet & Mouverde was earthy & sophisticated at the same time. Produced at the K & K Vasilikon Winery in Kathikas Village it is available from Nestor Imports in NYC.
By far the best value wine retailing around $15.00 was a dessert wine called Commandaria. This is something I've seen on the backbars in the Greek sections of NYC but never tryed. What the hell was I waiting for? Slightly fortified and made in a system similar to the Soleras of Spain this wine kicked ass for the price! Luscious fig, honey, nuts, coffee, cinnamon, hints of orange peel & dates made this the clear find of this exotic wine region.
It was really a most informative tasting with lots of info available. I look forward to trying more wines from this little part of the world. I may need a interpreter to order them but it will surely be worth it! Anyone up for a glass of Maretheftiko?
Last night someone gave me a bottle of "White Lie" early season Chardonnay. Supposedly this crap was made by women for women, low in calories, alcohol and carbs not to mention flavor. With a little research on the marketing behind this wine leads me to believe it was created by a bunch of Barbie's that weight 90 lbs. and spend their days with personal trainers.
