Vineyards in Tortura, Rapsani, alt. 450m north facing, slate and schist soils
Xinomavro / Stavroto / Krassato
Ages in old 500L French oak barrels for 12 months
ACIDITY: medium +
BODY: medium +
TANNIN: firm medium
LENGTH: long
EYE: bright dark cherry red, touch of ruby
NOSE: tomato, plum, green herbs, myrrh
MOUTH: black pepper, nutmeg, ripe red fruits–strawberry, currants, tarragon, boozy cherries
RUMINATIONS: lovely smack, crunchy but soft on the edges, fine satisfying tannins; a lighter and leaner example of the stunning Rapsani zone from a north-facing single vineyard, this is new-wave Greek wine at its finest.
COMPARABLES: young, oak-aged Pinot Noir and Trousseau, possibly Poulsard or Spatburgunders
PAIRING: charcuterie, roasted lamb/goat, grilled steaks, complex sauces, red base, tomato salads, ratatouille, slow stews, etc…