Greek Feature Con't

I was also extremely impressed by the wines from the Palivos Estate from the sub region of Ancient Nemea. Palivos have taken a less purist approach, producing wines that blend the ancient varieties with modern, classic, international varieties. If you think you’re tiring of Chardonnay, try their delightful Stone Hills 2008. This is a blend of Chardonnay and the indigenous Malagousia grape. This is a beautiful wine, with hints of peach and apricot, undercut by pineapple acidity. It has perfect balance and delicacy, coupled with tremendous acidity. A rising star. Amongst their red selection Palivos have superb wines made from both the indiginous and the international varietals. Their Agiorgitiko, Ammos Reserve 2006, is deep and dark, redolent of black cherries and blackberries, with a hint of dark chocolate on the finish. Their Syrah Terra Leone 2006 is very Rhoneish, with a peppery spiciness giving way to rich damson fruit and a subtle cedarwood character. Dark and brooding, this is a wine that will reward ageing.

Other noteworthy wineries showing at the fair were Strofilia, for their light, modern, easy-drinking white, red and rose wines, and Skouros for their off-dry rose.

The wine district to the south of Nemea is Laconia. This is centred on the historically important of Monemvasia. The region is famed for its impregnable castle on the rock of Monemvasia, and for the fabled ancient wine known as Malvasia. White grapes dominate here, with the Monemvasia being foremost. Other notable white varieties include, Asyrtiko and Kidonitsa. The red variety Agiorgitiko is also important here where its power is often tempered with the Mavroudi grape. I visited the Monemvasia Winery, which is one of the most unprepossing wineries I have ever visited. From the outsideit looks a complete dump, but from such an inauspicious source Giorgios Tsimpidis and his team craft truly excellent wines. We tasted through his wines under constant barracking from an irate swallow, who had chosen to build her nest in a light fitting above the tasting table. The domaine produces an extensive range of wines, in a variety of styles, all are of a uniformly high standard. I was particularly impressed by the delicate, elegant, fruit-salad style of their Maleatis White, 2008. This is made from a blend of Monemvasia, Asprovaria and Roditis, vinified in stainless steel. It is delightfully crisp and fresh, and surprisingly long. The Maleatis Red 2005 is also remarkably attractive with soft, brambly fruit and ripe tannins. It has undergone brief ageing in oak barrels, which serves to soften the tannins without reducing the attractive fruity appeal of a wine that is ready to drink now.
 
To be continued....

If you would like to buy any of the wines mentioned above, please contact me…

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