Greek Wine Class
Thursday March 6th 7-8:30pm
$15 per person
Reservations required
click here to make reservations
or call 314.727.8788
It's hard to think of Greek wines as an “up and coming” category since they have been making wine in Greece for the better part of 7000 years, but it seems the rest of the world is finally catching on. Come taste 8 fantastic Greek wines, and learn more about one of the most ancient wine producing countries in the world. Greek snacks provided as well.
Wines to be tasted.
2008 Skouras Megas Oenos...$26.99
The 2008 “Megas Oenos” is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (20%) and old vines Agiorgitiko (80%) aged in French oak for 20 months. Quite tinged by oak in its youth, this elegant wine is still well-structured, showing both the backbone to age and acidity necessary to lift the fruit. The mid-palate is not terribly concentrated, but the wine should come around well, with some potential for improvement in the cellar. A little hard edged at the moment, it could use a bit of time to settle down, even if approachable now. As time went on, it evolved beautifully, becoming a bit more austere, absorbing some oak and showing quite beautifully. Drink 2013-2020.
It's hard to think of Greek wines as an “up and coming” category since they have been making wine in Greece for the better part of 7000 years, but it seems the rest of the world is finally catching on. Come taste 8 fantastic Greek wines, and learn more about one of the most ancient wine producing countries in the world. Greek snacks provided as well.
Wines to be tasted.
2008 Skouras Megas Oenos...$26.99
The 2008 “Megas Oenos” is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (20%) and old vines Agiorgitiko (80%) aged in French oak for 20 months. Quite tinged by oak in its youth, this elegant wine is still well-structured, showing both the backbone to age and acidity necessary to lift the fruit. The mid-palate is not terribly concentrated, but the wine should come around well, with some potential for improvement in the cellar. A little hard edged at the moment, it could use a bit of time to settle down, even if approachable now. As time went on, it evolved beautifully, becoming a bit more austere, absorbing some oak and showing quite beautifully. Drink 2013-2020.
Rated 90/100 The Wine Advocate
2010 Skouras Aghiorghitiko “Saint George”...$15.99
The 2010 Saint George is an entry level Agiorgitiko (spelled by Skouras in an alternative transliteration as “Aghiorghitiko”). This is always a solid buy, the silky texture, a product of the acidity, is quite sensual and the wine is fragrant and a pleasure just to smell. Its graceful mid-palate is part of its impeccable balance, along with the subtle tannins. The cherry nuances are cut by the acidity nicely.
2009 Domaine Karydas Naoussa...$26.99
The 2009 Naoussa, i.e., Xinomavro, was aged in French oak for 16 months (only 30% new) and sourced from 34-year-old vines. This opens rather mute and unassuming, but after an hour of air, it fleshed out nicely in the glass, and the structure emerged as well. Crisp and tight, it is an earthy wine that shows good purity of fruit and loads of character.
2010 Skouras Aghiorghitiko “Saint George”...$15.99
The 2010 Saint George is an entry level Agiorgitiko (spelled by Skouras in an alternative transliteration as “Aghiorghitiko”). This is always a solid buy, the silky texture, a product of the acidity, is quite sensual and the wine is fragrant and a pleasure just to smell. Its graceful mid-palate is part of its impeccable balance, along with the subtle tannins. The cherry nuances are cut by the acidity nicely.
2009 Domaine Karydas Naoussa...$26.99
The 2009 Naoussa, i.e., Xinomavro, was aged in French oak for 16 months (only 30% new) and sourced from 34-year-old vines. This opens rather mute and unassuming, but after an hour of air, it fleshed out nicely in the glass, and the structure emerged as well. Crisp and tight, it is an earthy wine that shows good purity of fruit and loads of character.
Rated 90/100 Wine Advocate
2012 Sigalas Assyrtiko, Santorini...$22.99
On opening, this seemed not to miss a beat. It is dense and powerful, quite impressive and concentrated on first taste. It makes you say “wow” in some respects. It is, however, lacking some of the finesse and minerality this bottling typically shows and it seems very ripe.
90/100 The Wine Advocate
2012 Sigalas Aa Assyrtiko/Athir...$17.99
A 75% Assyrtiko (notwithstanding the inconsistent spelling on Sigalas’ label), with 25% Athiri. It is fragrant and lovely this year, and a terrific value. Given the blend, this will never have the pure depth and power of the top end of the lineup, but its aromatics and elegance are utterly charming and it has a lot to offer in its own, more personable style. Tinged with some lemon-lime early on, it eventually became more harmonious while remaining perky, showing viscosity and personality. It becomes quite mouth-coating as it warms.
2011 Skouras Almyra Chardonnay... $17.99
The 2011 Chardonnay Almyra is has some light oak touches, but a friendly and fruity feel that makes it an enjoyable bargain. Greece is probably not your first thought for Chardonnay, but at its price level this friendly, middle of the road bottling does a nice and reliable job. Don’t be scared of the screwcap!
2012 Skouras Zoe White....$10.99
Aromatic, pure and friendly, it is also fruity and flavorful. It is well balanced, but with some notable crispness on the back end to give it an invigorating quality. I appreciated its ability to come into balance, become more transparent and show some finesse as it aired out. Mostly, it just tasted great, making it a perfect picnic wine or porch sipper, while maintaining its refreshing demeanor."
2012 Sigalas Assyrtiko, Santorini...$22.99
On opening, this seemed not to miss a beat. It is dense and powerful, quite impressive and concentrated on first taste. It makes you say “wow” in some respects. It is, however, lacking some of the finesse and minerality this bottling typically shows and it seems very ripe.
90/100 The Wine Advocate
2012 Sigalas Aa Assyrtiko/Athir...$17.99
A 75% Assyrtiko (notwithstanding the inconsistent spelling on Sigalas’ label), with 25% Athiri. It is fragrant and lovely this year, and a terrific value. Given the blend, this will never have the pure depth and power of the top end of the lineup, but its aromatics and elegance are utterly charming and it has a lot to offer in its own, more personable style. Tinged with some lemon-lime early on, it eventually became more harmonious while remaining perky, showing viscosity and personality. It becomes quite mouth-coating as it warms.
2011 Skouras Almyra Chardonnay... $17.99
The 2011 Chardonnay Almyra is has some light oak touches, but a friendly and fruity feel that makes it an enjoyable bargain. Greece is probably not your first thought for Chardonnay, but at its price level this friendly, middle of the road bottling does a nice and reliable job. Don’t be scared of the screwcap!
2012 Skouras Zoe White....$10.99
Aromatic, pure and friendly, it is also fruity and flavorful. It is well balanced, but with some notable crispness on the back end to give it an invigorating quality. I appreciated its ability to come into balance, become more transparent and show some finesse as it aired out. Mostly, it just tasted great, making it a perfect picnic wine or porch sipper, while maintaining its refreshing demeanor."
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