Do we ship to you?.
750ml
Bottle:
$49.94
6 bottles:
$48.94
Wine of pomegranate color with cherry hue. Powerful aromas, bright, with notes of cherry, currant, blackberry,...
750ml
Bottle:
$58.50
12 bottles:
$57.33
100% Teroldego. Teroldego is a close relative of Lagrein, both being native Südtirol varieties. Nusserhof only has...
750ml - Case of 12
Bottle:
$19.60
Dark ruby in color with generous aromas of dark berries, fig, and chocolate. Sumptuous flavors on the palate of ripe...
750ml - Case of 12
Bottle:
$19.60
Elegant and floral on the nose with aromas of currant and rose hip. More fruit on the palate with flavors of...
750ml
Bottle:
$39.11
12 bottles:
$38.32
The 2019 Areni captivates with aromas of dark fruits, muddled strawberry and freshly cracked black pepper. The palate...
750ml
Bottle:
$119.88
A field blend of various strains of Areni Noir, the grapes for Yeraz come from ultra-centennial semi abandoned bush...
Pre-Arrival
Clau De Nell Grolleau 2018
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle:
$44.66
This charming red is marked by a racy acidity, with peppery-spice elements lining the bramble fruit and dark cherry...
375ml - Case of 6
Bottle:
$321.37
Assyrtiko Ice Wine Mencia Savatiano
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?
Savatiano is probably Greece's most well known and most widely grown grape varietal, as it is the primary grape used in the production of Retsina, where the fermenting juices of the Savatiano varietal are flavored with pine resin in order to make this distinctive and famous wine. One of the reasons for the wide cultivation of this grape is due to its hardiness, and resistance to drought conditions. In the sun-drenched and dry, rocky Greek landscapes, this makes it an ideal vine to grow for wine-makers who require a strong and bounteous yield each year.
However, there are plenty of examples of Greek white wines which use the Savatiano grape but withhold from the addition the pine resin flavoring, allowing the true characteristics of this varietal to shine through. The result is often very pleasing indeed, with Savatiano grapes generally producing extremely well balanced and rounded white wines, with a juicily fruity flavor. Their aromas can vary quite a lot, with many Savatiano wines bearing the fragrance of citrus fruits, and also occasionally having a strong floral aroma reminiscent of elder and rose. Due to the relatively low acidity of Savatiano grapes, the wines which use them (including Retsina) generally bolster themselves with the addition of smaller quantities of more acidic varieties, such as Assyrtiko or Rhoditis, in order to improve their sometimes weak structure.
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?