Easter News
So we’ve arrived at Easter already… and to mark the occasion I was lucky enough to see a hare over the sunny weekend just gone. Thankfully we slowly seem to be leaving winter behind and the clocks officially go back this weekend and spring will have officially begun… yet I now have since had to reapply a jumper, grab a blanket whilst here in the cellars as I type… and of course it’s hailing outside!
We have seen a number of new wines arrive in the shop and I’m delighted that we’ve had an expansion of our Greek portfolio from just 4 to now over 15 wines from around this magnificent country!
Similar in one sense to Portugal, in that the indigenous grape varieties are rarely seen planted outside their own country. Greece has numerous grape varieties most consumers will not be familiar with or able to pronounce, but don’t let that put you off as my Greek is also non-existent!
We have dealt with the delightful Domaine Papagiannakos from Attica for several years now and list their Savatiano, Malagousia (two white grape varieties) and Erythos (a red blend of Agiortiko & Cabernet). Ktima Gerovassiliou is a big name in Greek wine the last 30 years and has been heralded as saving the grape variety Malagousia. We listed his estate barrel fermented Viognier some 10 years hence and are thrilled to see it back and joined by the single vineyard Malagousia and Estate Red.
Gaia Estates is another big name in the Greek wine movement. Established in 1994, produces some stunning wines and non-more so than their Moschofilero Wild Ferment and their red Agiortiko.
Operating from two different wineries in the important wine growing regions of Nemea and Santorini, they have earned a reputation for making cutting-edge wines.
Gaia’s main aim is to explore the boundaries and present the potential of the indigenous Greek grape varieties to wine enthusiasts worldwide.
Kir-yianni is another new estate for us that arrived last month following another tasting that Chris attended on our behalf and selected these two wines the Assyrtiko white from the north and the Xinomavro red (akin to a Nebbiolo, light red garnet in colour, wonderfully perfumed and with some tannins to add depth and structure).
This winery was launched in 1997 by Yiannis Boutaris of the Boutari family who left the family business to set up on his own with more focus on the sustainability of the vineyards and specific vines to suit the right location.
So, if you are looking for something beyond your usual white Burgundy, crisp Loire Sauvignon Blanc, or a light Italian red, I dare you go on and jump in to the beautiful pristine clean waters and wines that Greece has to offer. Yamas!
* the wines mentioned above are a snapshot of what we have to offer ranging in prices from £15.95 – £35.00.
We are really excited to head to MOR Kitchen for our Portuguese tasting next month and we hope to be able to host events there once a month if they will have us back! This tasting will be hosted by Rob from Raymond Reynolds and we will be a great opportunity to taste our new wines from Portugal which will also be arriving next week.
In May sees the return of our blind wine tasting hosted by Jonathan and me and it’s a great way to test your senses and Johnny from Delibo Wines will be hosting a tasting of new vintages from Oliver Zeter, Saskia Prum and much more.
Friday 19th June, we have secured the date for our return to Hiller’s Garden Restaurant, Alcester for our summer walkabout wine tasting in the beautiful rose gardens, so do book early to avoid disappointment as this proves very popular. We will again run a 55 seater coach from town centre as before, just for convenience with a nominal fee.
So, there’s lots to get excited about over the coming weeks and we do hope to see you either in the shop or at one of these events shortly. Lastly, wishing you a fun filled, joyful, restful and peaceful Easter to you all.
Santé!
