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By Anthony Dias Blue, Bon Appétit
September 2004
The Greeks developed one of the world's oldest vinegrowing cultures-they were reveling with wine when Romulus and Remus were still on wolf's milk. Since Greece is the season's hottest locale for all things sportive and gustatory, Greek wines are deservedly back in the limelight. Don't let hard-to-pronounce varietal names like Agiorgitiko deter you. As Socrates once said; "Try it, you'll like it." The Tasting Panel has sampled dozens of Greek imports this year. Here are eight of our favorites.
Achaia Clauss Muscat de Patras, Patras ($9). Founded by a Bavarian immigrant in the l9th century Achaia Clauss delivers a bright Muscat with hints of peach.
Alexandros Megapanos 2002 Savatiano, Pikermi, Attica ($9). Savatiano, the workhorse white grape of Greece, produces value-packed whites with ripe flavors; delicious with grilled fish.
Boutari 2003 Moschofilero, Mantinia ($15). Peachy and aromatic, this white varietal is reminiscent of Riesling but with none of the sweetness.
Estate Hatzimichalis 2002 Chardonnay, Atalanti Valley ($15). This boutique estate north of Athens introduced barrelaged Chardonnay to Greece; rich pear notes.
Spiropoulos 2001 Porfyros, Peloponnese ($17). Porphyros means "purple" an apt name for this densely structured blend with dark black cherry and spice tones.
Christoforos Pavlidis 2001 Ktima Pavlidis, Drama ($18). Drama is a region of Macedonia in northern Greece; this complex blend of Cabernet, Merlot, and Limnio shows smooth plum fruit and a touch of new oak.
Palivou Vineyards 1999 Nemea, Ancient Nemea Valley ($18). The Corinthian appellation of Nemea is home to Agiorgitiko, a classic red variety with hints of lush plum, vanilla, and spice.
Evangelos Tsantalis 1999 Metohi, Macedonia ($22). This Cabernet-Limnio blend comes from a monastic cloister on Mount Athos; mouth-filling blackberry fruit and lovely structure.
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