We’ve recently brought in some Greek wines that embody a nationwide winemaking renaissance showcasing biodynamically farmed, indigenous grapes. We're opening these bottles for you to try this Thursday from 5pm-7pm @ at our new shop location, 540 West 28th St. These delicious, accessible wines are a great addition to your summer line up!
Crete - Moinoterra
We recently started working with Moinoterra, a fantastic little family-run winery in Crete. They're based in Archanes, a historic wine region just south of the famed Knossos Palace archeological site—it's where one of the oldest Minoan wine presses (from the 2nd millennium BC!) was discovered. Moinoterra is all about organic farming with (mostly) native Cretan grapes from these amazing high-altitude vineyards around the sacred Mount Yuhtas, and their wines are super expressive and offer tremendous value.
2023 Moinoterra Winery, Assyrtiko, Crete @ $27/bottle ($24.30 in a mixed case)
While they usually stick to native Cretan grapes, they couldn't resist making an Assyrtiko from a specific single vineyard. The wine is made in stainless steel, and a portion undergoes some barrel aging. The result is a wine with a super crisp, vibrant, lemony character, classic Assyrtiko acidity, and a great mineral backbone. It is a perfect summer sipper. Kerrie and I drink a lot of this over the summer.
2022 Moinoterra Winery, Archanes, Crete @ $27/bottle ($24.30 in a mixed case)
This is an elegant red, a blend of the local Kotsifali and Mandilari grapes. It’s not particularly tannic, but it is aromatic with red cherry fruit and some spicy elements. It’s a unique, satiating wine I like to chill down and enjoy in the heat. It’s nice as a cocktail, summer red and a versatile wine on the table that would pair well with many foods in much the same way as Gamay would from Beaujolais.
Peloponnese - Kontogiannis
About a month ago, I’d never heard of the Savatiano grape, but you could spend a lifetime studying native Greek grape varieties, so it doesn’t surprise me. The Kontogiannis family is based in the Peloponnese in south-central Greece. They produce PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) Korinthia wines from native varieties farmed biodynamically. These are minimal intervention wines made with real talent, precision, and passion. They are extraordinary farmers and have created an ecosystem that allows their vines to thrive and fully express their unique terroirs. Their Savatiano impressed me - it has a body and richness similar to Chardonnay, but of course, it has a distinctive Greek character. Lovely mix of citrusy, floral, herbal notes with a creamy texture and a real presence in the palate – would be perfect with herby grilled fish, octopus, or chicken, or maybe with cheesy pasta or a salad. Such a cool wine – encourage you to check out a few bottles:
2023 Kontogiannis Family Winery - Mångata Savatiano - $34.99/bottle ($31.49 in a mixed case
Macedonia - Oenos Mittas
A Macedonian Red to enjoy daily:
Naoussa is a PDO (Protected Designations of Origin) wine appellation based in the hills of Macedonia in northern Greece. There are officially four PDOs for Xinomavro (five if you include Siatista), and Naoussa is the most famous. It requires the use of 100% Xinomavro grapes. I believe that Xinomavro is Greece’s most noble red variety. Many compare it to Nebbiolo in Piedmont as it is similarly high in tannin and acidity. However, just like Nebbiolo, Xinomavro comes in many shapes and sizes. Despite its high tannin/high acid nature, Xinomavro can be produced in an approachable, easy-going style or require patience and significant cellar time. And many examples fall somewhere in the middle of that spectrum. The wine I’d like to show you from Yiannis Mittas is in the drink now or cellar if you wish category.
2022 Oenos Mittas, Xinomavro, Naoussa - $28.99/bottle ($26.09 in a mixed case)
Yiannis Mittas acquired one of Naoussa's most revered vineyard sites, Paliokalias. This site, located on the slopes of Mount Vermio, is known for its clay-rich soils, which contribute to the floral and fruit-forward purity of the wines. The vines are organically farmed, and this has become one of our favorite Xinomavros. Like Nebbiolo, Xinomavro is a gastronomic wine that works best with food. Yiannis’ is red-fruited with a distinct sour cherry component and an incredible earthy, savory, tapenadey character. Perfect with herby grilled lamb chops, but I think mushroom risotto or pizza with fennel sausage are also ideal and more likely to be made at our house. I’d love to check these out with a few years' age on them, but I enjoy drinking at cellar temp with a quick decant right now. This wine offers insane value and intrigue at sub $30 bucks a bottle.
