About this WINE
Ktima Pavlidis
The wine appellation of Drama in the far North-East of Greece is one of most exciting regions with a number of vanguard wineries, and the 30 hectare Ktima (meaning Domaine) Pavlidis is one of its shining stars.
Founded in 1998 by the local entrepreneur Christophoros Pavlidis, who made a fortune in marble, granite and construction, the estate is located at an altitude of 240-340m.
The young oenologist Nikos Karatzas (pictured right) produces a range of contemporary-styled wines from a mixture of indigenous and international varieties that include Syrah, Agiorgitiko Chardonnay, Merlot, Tempranillo (red & rose wines), the indigenous Assyrtiko, Sauvignon blanc (in blends with the former).
Assyrtiko
Assyrtiko (aka Assirtiko) [pronounce: A seer' tee ko] is one of Greece's signature white wine grape varieties, used for both dry and sweet wine. It reaches its apogee in the island of Santorini (where it was first planted – currently 70% of the island’s vineyard area). It yields a bone-dry, steely wine that has deliciously concentrated citrus aromas mixed with an earthy, mineral aftertaste evocative of the volcanic soil of Santorini.
Uniquely, the vines are cultivated in low basket shaped crowns, pinned to the ground, for protection from the often fierce winds dominating the climate in Santorini. Coming off the sea, the nocturnal fog brings much needed water to the vines during the dry, hot summer season and this, coupled with the cooling northerly winds provide the right growing conditions for the grape to thrive.
Assyrtiko is highly resistant to most grape diseases and this partly explains why it been widely re-planted throughout appellations in Greece, such as in Paros, Naxos, Crete, and in smaller quantities in Attica, Drama, Epanomi, Halkidiki and Hromitsa, Drama.
Owing to its pronounced mineral profile, Assyrtiko stands up well for blending with grapes such as Sauvignon blanc, Sémillon and the indigenous Greek white grape Malagousia.
These are wines to be enjoyed young or aged; the ideal complement to delicate dishes, fish, seafood and, surprisingly, even grilled meat dishes.
More famously, Assyrtiko is paired with the aromatic Aidani and Athiri white grapes for the production of a distinctive, naturally sweet wine called Vinsanto (derivative of the name Santorini), known since the Byzantine times.
Vinsanto can be naturally sweet or fortified and must be barrel-aged for a minimum of 2 years. The opulently sweet Vinsantos display a deep amber colour, a thrilling nose of crème brûlée’, chocolate and dried apricots and a palate of dates and dried figs.
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Description
The 2012 Emphasis Assyrtiko (100%) has tons of personality, good body and a lush ripe fruit. This is another fine example of the type of attractive, bright, refreshing Greek white wines with increasing popularity domestically and abroad. This bottling represents a solid follow-up to their well-reviewed (90/100 Wine Advocate) 2011 vintage. Winemaker Nikos Karatzas, says he rates it better than the 2011.
Assyrtiko is one of the most iconic grapes of Greece and this incarnation from the northern mainland (Thrace) is stylistically quite different from the steely, powerful propotypes coming from Santorini. The wine is clean and transparent, yet very ripe and honeyed, packed with notes of lime, peaches and apricots. It shows great complexity and vibrancy on the palate with a citrusy finish.
It is a testament of, once again and if any were needed, that there is value and quality coming from this grape away when grown from (as well as on)Santorini. Beautifully balanced and drinking quite well at the moment, it is also capable of keeping for a few years. In fact, it will become more expressive with time.Try with seafood dishes, especially shellfish as an alternative to Chablis.
Gold Medal in Vinalies Internationales Paris, 2014
Silver Medal Mundus Vini 2014
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