×
Red
750ml
Bottle: $71.94
The Casanova della Spinetta 2008 Sassontino is a late-release wine that hits the market with 10 additional years of...
12 FREE
WA
94
JS
90
Red
1.5Ltr
Bottle: $119.94
6 bottles: $117.54
Chocolate, sweet spice, tobacco, leather and dark berry fruit give this Brunello a bold and impactful first...
WE
91
Sale
Red
750ml
Bottle: $137.95 $139.80
Savory herbs, tobacco, mint, licorice and dark cherries take shape in the glass as the 2008 Chianti Classico Riserva...
12 FREE
VM
91
Sale
Sake/Fruit Wine
1.8Ltr
Bottle: $493.05 $519.00
*Yokowa AAA Rated Yamada Nishiki milled to 50% *Normally the B.Y., or Brew Year, is aged for one year before release...
Sale
Sake/Fruit Wine
720ml
Bottle: $245.10 $258.00
*Yokowa AAA Rated Yamada Nishiki milled to 50% *Normally the B.Y., or Brew Year, is aged for one year before release...
12 FREE
Rapid Ship
Red
750ml
Bottle: $54.90
The 2008 Chinon Les Picasses is an authentic representative of the vintage as well as of the domain. The 2008 has a...
12 FREE
WA
93
VM
92
Case only
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $188.95
Salvioni's 2008 Brunello di Montalcino speaks to finesse above all else. Sensual, ever-changing aromatics draw the...
VM
94
WE
93
Case only
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $46.12
This opens with pretty, dark concentration and balanced aromas of black cherry and red currant set against leather,...
WE
88
Case only
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
750ml - Case of 3
Bottle: $1088.33
After the highly unusual and exotic 2007, the 2008 Toscana Sangiovese marks a return to a more classic Soldera style....
VM
97
Sale
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
1.5Ltr - 1 Bottle
Bottle: $136.95 $144.86
Good medium-deep red. Black cherry, redcurrant, licorice and menthol aromas are lifted by a floral element that...
VM
92
WA
91
Case only
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $82.95
Sweet rich, lush and layered, yet also remarkably light on its feet, the 2008 Brunello di Montalcino dazzles from...
WA
94
VM
94
Case only
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $250.95
Subtle aromas of meat, plums and dried fruits follow through to a full body, with soft and silky tannins and a spice,...
JS
93
WA
90

Assyrtiko Cabernet Franc Sake Sangiovese 2008 Wine

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?

Cabernet Franc is not simply an important grape varietal for the fact that it is one of the most widely grown strains of vine in the world, but also because it is a vital grape in the production of many of the finest wines the world has ever seen. For centuries in its native France, it has been a varietal synonymous with elegance and high quality, and has become a key fruit in the production of the Bordeaux and Bordeaux-style blended wines which have gone down in history thanks to their magnificent flavors, aromas and levels of aged complexity. However, Cabernet Franc is also a wine grape varietal for use in single variety, unblended wines, and has plenty to offer on its own. Most commonly, it is renowned for its wide bouquet, which often includes fascinating notes of tobacco, violets or bell pepper over a beautifully pale and decadent liquid.

The name of this grape, meaning 'blood of Jove' conjures up evocative images of long dead civilizations, and gives the Sangiovese varietal a sense of the holy, the sacred, the special. Indeed, this particular type of Italian grape has been cultivated and processed for thousands of years, and is said to be the original favorite grape varietal of the Romans, and the Etruscans before them. Throughout history, vintners have continued to plant this varietal, and they continue to produce wonderful wines to this day. The long bunches of very dark, round fruit are treasured by fine wineries in Italy and a few other places around the world, and when young, these grapes are lively – full of strawberry flavors and a little spiciness. However, it is when they are aged in oak that they take on some truly special flavors and aromas, as seen in some of the finest wines of the Old World.