Greece
Despite its rich heritage, Greece has yet to make a significant impact on the UK wine market. The introduction of its wines into consumers minds and mouths has some considerable way to go, in part because of the legacy of the ubiquitous Retsina, which to some extent, shackles the growth of other wines. Fortunately, things have changed.
Changes in both winemaking practice and vineyard management have altered dramatically since the 1960s - a 25% reduction in overall vineyard area has meant th at table wine production has decreased (and continues to do so) while the demand for quality wines is on the rise.
Most of Greece's exports currently go to Germany and France, but imports to the UK are still relatively small. This isn't helped by the fact that Greece is probably the only wine producing country to the western hemisphere that is spending next to nil on the generic promotion of its wines.
Thankfully, serious quality wines are being made by a growing number of producers and boutique wineries. These represent the best that Greece has to offer - indiginous varieties, modern techniques, palate provoking results.
Key Established Regions:
Macedonia (Naoussa, Goumenissa, Halkidiki), Crete, Peloponese (Mantinia, Nemea, Patras), Aegean Islands (Limnos, Santorini), Rhodes, Samos.
Prices:
Bottle
£10.95
Like all the estate’s wines, it combines clear varietal character with mouth-watering freshness. On the nose, there’s a subtle stone-fruit character – more like the skin of a peach than the flesh – as well as aromas of ripe lime and melon. The palate is attractively round, almost waxy, but with a delicious bitter edge. The finish is long and balanced. A fitting and extremely successful accompaniment to fillet of sole, ideally on a sunny day in summer 2017 (assuming we’ll have a few).
Bottle
£11.95
Bottle 6 x 75cl112cs
Demetri Walters MW, Hellenic Wines Specialist
Bottle
£11.95
Bottle 6 x 75cl12cs
Will Heslop - Wine Buyer Bart Lyrarakis heads up this family-run domaine which has made a habit of rescuing indigenous varietals from the brink of extinction – first the remarkable, laurel-scented Dafni and now the equally characterful Plytó.
Bottle
£12.50
Bottle 6 x 75cl15cs
Expect a complex nose of cooked plum, liquorice, jasmine and – the seductive influence of oak here – toffee and chocolate. What’s more, in light of its impressive structure, this is destined to improve over the next 3-5 years.
Bottle
£18.50
Bottle 6 x 75cl1cs
Demetri Walters MW - Sales Manager – Private Wine Events