Greece

Organic / Biodynamic

100% Malagousia, a native Greek variety that was near extinction, fermented in stainless steel tanks. Extremely aromatic with notes of green apples, waxed lemons and green tea. Fresh and saline, with a medium body and a waxy texture that finishes dry. Bring on the shellfish! 13% abv

Organic / Natural

Avgoustiatis (meaning ‘of August’ in Greek) is an early-ripening variety found mainly on Zakynthos. Pre-fermentation maceration followed by spontaneous fermentation for 20 days. Aged for 18 months in old barrels (4-6 years-old). The key to the wine’s name is August… picked early, this indigenous variety is yet another rarity. It falls somewhere between red Burgundy and Cru Beaujolais. Strawberries and redcurrants. Nice balance of grapey, crunchy fruit and subtle, soft tannin and acidity. Forest floor ala Cab Franc that will please the Loire Valley Red drinkers. To be enjoyed young and slightly chilled. 13% abv

Organic

Verdea is a traditional appellation of the Greek Island Zakynthos that reflects the Venetian influence. The name references the apparent green color of the grape juice as fields with many different varieties were harvested together and, as they all ripen at different times, the unripe/green grapes would give it a characteristic color and the resulting wine a high acidity. This story is perhaps hard to square with the usual high alcohol content of the wines, which would suggest much riper grapes! Either way, high alcohol and high acidity were traditional ways of preserving wine before the invention of modern winemaking.

The Kefallinos Verdea is certainly not co-vinified as a field blend, but rather each variety is fermented separately in old oak barrels (4-6 years-old) and a total of 16 separate barrels are used to make the final blend. A lovely straw yellow gold color. This oaked white has aromas of grass, peach blossom, with hints of green walnuts and golden plums. The palate is weighted with lots of concentrated white peach and citrus peel notes, reminiscent of Viognier. Its incredible acidity makes the alcohol almost incidental.