Ktima Gerovassiliou Avaton 2021

Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant, but best to open it an hour before service. Vangelis, founder and owner of Ktima Gerovassiliou, is a master of native Greek grapes. Not only did he recover the almost extinct Malagousia variety during his work at the Porto Carras estate, but he cultivates other native varieties on his property such as the popular Assyrtiko but also Limnio, Mavroudi, and Mavrotragano. From these blends, grown in the Epanomi wine region, Vangelis produces wines of high quality and enormous elegance. Over the years, Vangelis has also undertaken other wine projects both in Greece and abroad. Ktima Gerovassiliou's Avaton is an interesting blend of three local red varieties: Limnio, Mavroudi, and Mavrotragano. Limnio, predominant in this blend, is the oldest Greek grape, the first attestations of which date back to the 5th century BC. After the harvest and an extraction phase, the fermentations (alcoholic and malolactic) take place in special Burgundy oak casks. The finished wine then matures in French oak barrels. Its color is red, intense, and bright. The olfactory profile displays aromas of ripe raspberries, raisins, and other red fruits followed by delicate notes of sweet spices, and coffee. On the palate, there are generous fruity flavors and sof tannins. Overall the wine shows a good body, great character, and excellent balance. Excellent with meat stews, goat, and game.

Price: £22.93 from 8wines UK