×
Case only
Red
1.5Ltr - Case of 3
Bottle: $110.20
The juicy flavors of cherry compote and plum preserves are studded with anise, rooibos tea and fruitcake notes. The...
WS
90
Case only
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
750ml - Case of 12
Bottle: $300.95
Case only
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $564.50
Case only
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
750ml - Case of 12
Bottle: $1068.49
Bright ruby-red. An exotic bouquet presents black raspberry, incense, Asian spices and blood orange. On the palate,...
VM
94
Case only
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $134.95
Case only
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
750ml - Case of 12
Bottle: $37.85
Case only
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
750ml - Case of 12
Bottle: $74.95
Case only
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
750ml - Case of 12
Bottle: $73.95
Tightly coiled for now, with pepper, garrigue and briar notes wrapped around a core of steeped cherry, damson plum...
WS
93
WA
92
Case only
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
1.5Ltr - Case of 3
Bottle: $149.58
Lively, with lots of spice and licorice notes bouncing around amid the raspberry, loganberry and blackberry fruit...
WS
92
WA
91
Case only
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
750ml - Case of 12
Bottle: $457.72
Case only
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $165.95
I tasted this and I thought of the great Rayas from the late 1980s. Full body, bright fruit and a creamy texture. Its...
JS
98
WS
97
Case only
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $93.95
The 2011 Châteauneuf du Pape Omnia is a smoking blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre that was...
WA
94
WS
94

Assyrtiko Red Rhone Blend Mencia Vermentino 2011

Cultivated since at least the middle of the Byzantine era, the Assyrtiko grape is generally considered to be one the finest of the Greek grape varietals, as a result of its multi-purpose properties and ability to flourish on a wide range of terrains. The ancient Byzantines used it in conjunction with Aidani and Athiri grapes for the production of their unusual and naturally sweet Vinsanto wines, which are still produced today in Santorini, and continue to be popular. However, the Assyrtiko grapes are used for many different AOC wines across Greece, and are favored by wine makers who want to maintain a dryness and acidic punch to their produce.

The Assyrtiko grapes are renowned for their ability to maintain their acidity as they ripen beneath the blazing Mediterranean sun, resulting in wines which have a distinctive dryness and a range of citrus fruit aromas, as well as great structure and high tannins. Often, Assyrtiko grapes will produce wines which leave an unusual after-taste reminiscent of the mineral rich, volcanic soils they are grown in on the slopes of Santorini, making them a favorite for wine drinkers looking for something full of character and interesting attributes. The past twenty five years have seen Assyrtiko vines planted all over the Greek mainland, and even in Attica and Macedonia, where the softer terrain often produces more fruit forward wines with a milder, less astringent character. However, wherever this fine grape varietal is grown, it is rare the results will be anything less than excellent.

Additional Information on Greek Wines


Greek Wines
Ancient Greek Wines – A Brief History of Wine in Greece
The Myth of Dionysus, Greek God of Wine
What is Retsina?

The Vermintino grape varietal has been grown in northern Italy for centuries, but is perhaps most closely associated with the island of Corsica, where it is the most widely planted grape varietal and is one of the key flagship grapes on the island. Thought to have originated in Spain, the Vermentino grape quickly spread to other countries, and is now found in many parts of Mediterranean Europe and the New World. The grape itself is prized by wineries due to the crispness of its acids, and the wide bouquet of refreshing flavors it carries. Most commonly, Vermentino is known for holding flavors of green apple and lime, and for having a relatively light body with a low alcohol content. As such, it makes a perfect match for a wide range of foods, and is particularly popular when paired with shellfish.