February Featured Wines – Alexakis Assyrtiko & Douloufakis Dafnes Liatiko Dafnoia, Crete, Greece

We have never featured wines from Greece so this is a first. Both wines are made and named for indigenous grapes – Assyrtiko and Liatiko. Both wines are produced in the Crete region.

2024 Alexakis Assyrtiko is produced by Alexakis Winery, one of the largest family-owned wineries in Greece. Assyritko is Greece’s oldest and most famous white grape that was first grown on the island of Santorini. Alexakis Winery Assyrtiko is a stellar example of how a grape native to the Aegean islands finds a new expression in the fertile soils and microclimate of Crete.This wine is a vibrant testament to the Assyrtiko grape, celebrated for its ability to produce profoundly aromatic and mineral-driven wines.

2021 Dafnes Liatiko Dafnoia is produced by Douloufakis Winery. They produce wines from Cretan indigenous varieties (Vidiano, Vilana, Muscat White of Spina, Malvasia, Liatiko, Mandilari and Kotsifali) but also international ones such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Syrah. They produce 21 different wines, mainly dry ones.

Greece is a new wine producing region for us to explore. Crete will offer a taste of how terrior affects wines from Europe’s most southern wine producing areas.

2024 Alexakis Assyrtiko, Crete, Greece $18

Alexakis Assyrtiko captivates with its bouquet of lemon zest, green apple, and a hint of flint, reflecting the varietal’s inherent crispness and aromatic intensity. On the palate, it unveils a robust acidity and a rich minerality, balanced by a subtle fruitiness and a dry finish that leaves a lasting impression.It pairs with Greek salads, fresh cheeses, and Mediterranean dishes that feature olive oil and herbs, providing a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cuisine. Alcohol: 13.5%

2021 Douloufakis Dafnes Liatiko Dafnoia, Crete, Greece

This red is delicate and light with ruby color. on the nose aromas are fresh red fruits, herbs and light floral. As it ages it develops a unique bouquet of ripe fruits, leather and spices. Light body, good acidity, soft and delicious tannins and long aftertaste. Delightful and elegant. Pairs with grilled and roasted meat. Mediterranean and tomato-based dishes dishes and cheeses.
Alcohol: 14%

September Featured Wines – 2016 Dio Fili Xinomavro Rose, Macedonia, Greece & 2016 Ktima Mitravelas “Red on Black,” Peloponnese, Greece

2016 Dio Fili Xinomavro Rose, Macedonia, Greece                              $10

We are offering 2016 Dio Fili Xinomavro Rose, a rose made from Xinomavro and Moschomavro. This is among the top 10 most highly rated Macedonia – Greece wines (based on critic scores.) It is a rich and fruity wine that that has a touch of red currant and cranberry. The palate is fruit forward with subtle shades of berry and citrus. The finish is refreshing and berry laden. This is a nice “end of summer” wine. Alcohol:  12.5%

 

2016 Ktima Mitravelas “Red on Black,” Peloponnese, Greece       $13

2016 Ktima Mitravelas “Red on Black” from Nemea, Peloponnese is this month’s red selection This is made from 100% Agiorgitiko grapes. The vineyards are situated in the middle Nemea where the soil structure is a mixture of Clay, limestone and sandy soils. This wine has a fruity upfront palate and soft in the middle. It will benefit with a slight chill especially in the summer months. Drink on its own or with food. Alcohol:  1