Wine Club Newsletter - January 2024
Wines from Greece, You NEED to Try Them.
Wines from Greece, You NEED to Try Them.
As many of our WineSellar Club Members may be aware, Lori and I offer international wine and culture tours every year. In 2023, we went to Greece for two separate groups, totaling thirty-four people.
To a person, each of them questioned the quality of Greek wines before we left the continent. I understood this completely, as my experience with wines from Greece have been tainted by the dreaded old world Retsina, a wine that was oxidized and had resin added to it. What could go wrong there, right?
One of our staff, Bridget West, was offered a tour to Greece to discover the lands and the wines produced there. She returned touting the virtues of Greek wines, we brought some in to the wine shop, and now we have wines from Greece permanently in stock.
We toured about a dozen top wineries while on our Greece tour, and I came away with a fondness for the wines, and personally ordered five cases for myself. When we got back home, our two groups ordered almost fifty cases of the wines we tried while there.
So our wine shop naturally ordered extra to put on our showroom floor, and we still have a lovely selection of them. This includes a modern day Retsina, which if light, refreshing, and has a great acid to fruit balance in the mouth.
And best of all, they are priced most reasonably. May I suggest you come down and let one of my staff guide you through some interesting selections? This is what wine fun is all about.
Here are some basics of wines from Greece:
The wines of Greece are starting to gain ground again, however, and The Wine Society has the proof: Greek wine is now outselling Argentinian for the retailer.
Greece has tons of grapes across its spread-out lands. In fact, as Matthew Horsley – wine buyer at The Wine Society – explains “the most exciting thing about Greece is the range of indigenous varieties. Technically it has the highest percentage of indigenous varieties per hectare of any country on the planet – even more than Italy! So, there’s always something else to explore”.
The depths of Greek wine are still vastly untouched in the mainstream, and on our next page, I will supply a list of some of the more popular Varietals with their classic attributes and characteristics. They will be in order of the general popularity of use of the grape type.
White Wines
Assyrtiko (aa SEER tee ko) Greece’s and possibly the World’s finest white wine varietal. One of the rare white varieties that can grow in hot and dry conditions, whilst producing wines of high alcohol in perfect balance with high acidity. Great textures emphasizing extraction, body and structure.
Aidani (ay DA nee). Hints or yellow fruit, mineral and flowers. Generally medium in body and alcohol with moderate acidity. Often blended with Assyrtiko.
Malagoudia (mah lah gou SYA) Intense, highly expre3ssive fruits, hints of peaches, bell epper, basil and flowers. Round and full, but always fresh. Great for fans of Voignier and Chardonnay.
Moschofilero (mos coh FEE ler oh) Greyish skin, intensely floral, especially with rose petals, some citrus, lychee aromatics, crisp acidity and medium low alcohol. Chablis or Sauvignon Blanc like.
Vidiano (vee thee ah NO) Up and coming white varietal originating in Crete. Floral, stone fruits, creamy, balanced with medium high acidity, medium in body.
Savatiano (sav ah TEE ah no) Greece's most planted grape variety, best known for its role in the country's infamous Retsina wines, although technological advances in modern winemaking have led to an upsurge in well-made, dry, intense, wines that show herbaceous characteristics with citrus and white flowers.
Red Wines
Agiorgitiko (ah yor YEE te ko) THE GRAPE of Nemea. Agiorgitiko grapes produce the best balance of tannins and acidity and much like Xinomavro, can age brilliantly. A good Agiorgitiko is full-bodied and most similar to a Merlot but with more spice, or it can be light and fruity, akin to a Beaujolais. Suits oak aging.
Xinomavro (ksee NO ma vro) A good Xinomavro has tannic qualities and a high acidity – similar to an Italian Nebbiolo. They can age for a long time too, developing spicy, earthy aromas as they do.
Mavrotragano (av ro TRAH gah no) The name Mavrotragano in greek means 'black and crunchy', which aptly describes its texture. It's a deeply colored grape, producing wines that are rich in tannins and medium-to-high in acidity. The flavor profile is complex, featuring wild berries, red cherries, spices, and minerals. These wines are often compared to the northern Rhône Syrah for their full-bodied and powerful nature.
Limniona (lim nee OH na) The rising star of the Greek red varieties, packing extract, concentration, acidity and flavor. well balanced by complex dark red-fruit flavors and aromas, with minerality behind them, and with plenty of tannins—but soft tannins—so that the wine may be drunk young but will well reward substantial aging, a decade or more. In short, they are full of interest without being overpowering, which is a Good Thing.
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Cheers!
Gary Parker, Owner
The WineSellar & Brasserie
2020 Sauvignon Blanc, Bellecana Vineyards, Estate
Growing Region Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
Varietal Composition 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Fermentation Stainless Steel & French Oak
Alcohol Content 12%
Suggested Retail $24.00
WineSellar Club Price $20.69
Broad Strokes:
From the Winery: Welcome to Bellacana Vineyards, where the essence of beauty and the gentle flow of water converge in the heart of Alexander Valley. Our name embodies a captivating blend of Italian and Native American heritage, symbolizing our estate’s rich history and natural splendor.
Derived from the Italian word “Bella,” meaning beautiful, and “Cana,” which signifies water flow in the southern Pomo language, Bellacana Vineyards captures the enchanting harmony of these elements. Nestled along the picturesque Russian River, our vineyard is a testament to the breathtaking beauty surrounding us.
Appearance:
Screwcap, clear glass bottle, clean and forward label message. Right up my alley! I also love the “weave” image of the vineyards, and how the color changes based on the angle you are looking from. The wine is nearly clear, sporting a whisp of white corn hue.
Nose:
The fragrance of the wine is gentle and delicate, but quite interesting. Citrus notes of lime and lemon, although kiwi fruit seems to dominate after a bit of airing. Touches of peach and apricot fruit, as well as pineapple.
Texture:
The wine is medium in body and weight. Besides looking clean, it feels very clean. There is a delightful balance of established acid with the lovely fruit. It is also amazing the acid has held this firm for being 3-4 years from the vintage.
Flavors:
Coming in angular at the early palate approach, the charm is not lost from the fabulous mouthfeel and acid balance. The citrus notes from the nose all the rise to the palate. Meyer lemon, ripe orange, touch of lime, and then the kiwi notes charge forward. As it opens further, the tree fruits appear, apple and pear, with hints of peach and apricot.
Serving Suggestions:
This Sauvignon Blanc features a good deal of versatility. Great as an aperitif, on its own, or with salads, white fish preparations.
2022 Beau-Charmois, Pinot Noir, Cepage Ancestral
Growing Region Pays D’OC, Languedoc-Roussillon, France
Varietal Composition 100% Pinot Noir
Fermentation Stainless Steel & French Oak
Alcohol Content 13%
Suggested Retail $27.00
WineSellar Club Price $24.29
Broad Strokes:
One of our favorite Distributor/@ine Importer named themselves “Obvious Wines”. They came up with a theme to produce wines and labels we have had in our shop and wine clubs, using terms such as “Bright & Crisp”, Dark & Bold”, Rich & oaky”, etc. They went on to the TV Show “Shark Tank” and raised over a quarter million dollars. The 2020 is a wine they imported just recently, and we jumped on. Here is the detail on the Producer.
Les Producteurs Réunis is a wine cooperative based in Cébazan, in Languedoc-Roussillon. This is the kingdom of oenologist Marilyn Lasserre, who found her vocation here after years of learning around the globe. With many grape varieties, it produces a multitude of different wines, but which all have one thing in common: fantastic value for money!
Appearance:
By the looks of the label font, bottle shape and general package overall looks like it comes from the home of Pinot Noir, Burgundy. Screw cap, thank you! Nice little back story on the label, but it doesn’t tell you much about the wine origins.
Nose:
The deeper, darkish Pinot Noir fruit fragrances continue to evolve for over an hour. Ripe, dark berry Pinot Noir fruit is forward and well balanced, with a nice smoke component to it. Look for Asian spice, clove, cinnamon, cola, and mineral. Lovely!
Texture:
The wine is medium in body and weight. Besides looking clean, it feels very clean. There is a delightful balance of established acid with the lovely fruit. It is also amazing the acid has held this firm for being 3-4 years from the vintage.
Flavors:
Very forward, increasingly gaining presence. Can we taste dark red rose petals? I think I can. Some nice raspberry and cherry fruit also, with the solid wood notes of smoke and dark fruits are there also. Look for a dash of herbs, spices, black pepper, white pepper and milk chocolate. Oh man, I love this this wine at this price point!
Serving Suggestions:
This is like drinking a new world Burgundy, with a decidedly French take in its approach and flavors. As I mentioned, what a deal for an excellent Pinot Noir!
2021 Trefethen Merlot, Estate
Growing Region Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley, Ca.
Varietal Composition 100% Merlot
Fermentation French Oak
Alcohol Content 13.9%
Suggested Retail $50.00
WineSellar Club Price $35.99
Broad Strokes:
Co-founders of the winery, Janet & John Trefethen are central figures in the rise of Napa Valley and American fine wine. Along with a handful of other early winemaking pioneers, they helped build the foundations of the Napa phenomenon through decades of passionate work, clear-eyed vision, and joyful hospitality.
John was the founding President of the Napa Valley Grape Growers and later took over the reins at Napa Valley Vintners, where he was President during a critical, transitional time. Janet helped catalyze the development of our local culinary scene by hosting the Napa Valley Cooking Class for 25 years, was the driving force behind the establishment of the Oak Knoll District, and traveled constantly for years, selling not only Trefethen, but Napa Valley. Among many successes, one of their proudest moments was the surprise victory in 1979 when Trefethen Chardonnay was declared “The Best Chardonnay in the World” in Paris, bringing the world’s attention to their efforts and to the wider Napa Valley. Now proud grandparents to a 4th generation, they still serve as ambassadors and advisors to the company.
Appearance:
When I see “Trefethen” on the label, I associate it with high quality, well-made wines. This Merlot is NO exception. Very cool, and slightly understated label with a good back label story. The wine has edges of dark red/crimson turning black at the core.
Nose:
Beautiful aromatics with a handsome, yes, exciting note of wood expression such as spice, cedar, smoke, and sweet vanilla oak. Dark berry focus with hints of black pepper.
Texture:
Lovely entry into the palate. Medium in weight. Has a wrap of silk and velvet underneath the youthful, vivacious acid. Feels pure, clen, balanced, solid, well-made, and long on the finish.
Flavors:
Bramble. Raspberry, blackberry, black raspberry. In a wine, mind you. Edged in by alcohol, firm acid, and a sophisticated, judicious dollop of wood treatment. Dusty, chocolate hints, with black pepper and dark cherry too!
Serving Suggestions:
Winery Suggests: Try this wine with lean game meat, such as rabbit or quail. Sweet and umami ingredients, like cooked tomato, will complement its depth and spicy nature.
2018 Chateau Roc de Becot, Puisseguin-Saint-Emilion
Growing Region Puisseguin Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux
Varietal Composition 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc
Fermentation 30% New French Oak
Alcohol Content 14.5%
Suggested Retail $30.00
WineSellar Club Price $24.29
Broad Strokes: 91-93 Points Jeb Dunnuck, 90 Points James Suckling
Caroline and Pierre Becot, fourth generation winemakers of the family, acquired land in the exceptional Puisseguin terroir in 2015. They've challenged themselves to elevate this little-known appellation to the rank of exceptional terroir. The 2018 Chateau Roc de Becot Puisseguin-Saint-Emilion is a jewel in the Puisseguin-Saint-Emilion crown. The famed Saint-Emilion is home to some of the world's most celebrated Bordeaux.
The Puisseguin plateau is one of the appellation's finest terroirs. This small wine region is one of the "satellite" titles of Saint-Emilion and has the strictest laws in the region regarding the production of wine. Puisseguin has all the elegance and smooth character of the finest wines from Saint-Emilion at a fraction of the cost. Young vignerons in France have started to recognize the value and high-quality that Puisseguin could yield. It is a great place for top-quality, bargain Bordeaux.
Appearance:
Very nice looking, rather straightforward modern day Bordeaux package, (meaning there is no graphic of the winery exterior, and the bottle is a bit weighty). The wine is very dark red and the edges, and black at the middle.
Nose:
Deep red and black fruits, slightly restrained, but sleek and elegant for sure. A bit of pencil lead, wood oak, blueberry, and dark earth.
Texture:
Medium full in body. Has that “new world/old world feel” to it, sophisticated but almost bursting at the seams. Smooth feel in palate, chunky, line of acid that seemingly only Bordeaux can produce. Fascinating texture!
Flavors:
Solid black cherry fruit, with blackberry and blueberry undertones. The wood element is well-integrated, defined by cinnamon, cedar, smoke, and vanilla. A bit of Asian spices counter the firm dark fruit flavors. Complex and expanding with air.
Serving Suggestions:
Although from 2018 vintage, it still feels youthful. I urge you to buy 6-12 bottles of this lay some down for 5-10 years and let it develop in the bottle. Rewards await those with patience!
2022 Pinot Noir, Vega Vineyards & Farm
Growing Region Santa Rita Hills, California
Varietal Composition 100% Pinot Noir
Fermentation French Oak
Alcohol Content 14%
Suggested Retail $72.00
WineSellar Club Price $64.79
Broad Strokes:
From the Winery: In 1976 Bill Mosby and his wife Jeri found the favorable land and purchased the 206 acres of Rancho la Vega. They planted eighteen acres of wine grapes. The Mosby’s learned of the rich history that the ranch carried with it and thus Vega Vineyards was born, a family venture to sell wine grapes to wineries. In 1980 they changed the name from Vega Vineyards to Mosby Winery and focused on selling direct to customers out of the tasting room on the property.
Demetrios and Karen Loizides had always been drawn to the region due to its similarities to Demetrios’s ancestral and grape-growing village of Kathikas, Cyprus. They realized their dream, purchased the farm, and wanted to share with friends and community. From there is where Vega Vineyard and Farm, a winery, restaurant, and catering operation that offers a genuine “farm to table” model grew.
Appearance:
The packaging has an old world feel to it, capturing remnants of historic California. Lovely story on the back label suggesting such notions in their outlook. Not a thrilled fan of the chosen brown label color, but really like the embossment. Perfect looking Pinot Noir.
Nose:
Crack open a jar of strawberry jam and place your nose over the top . . . this is my first impression. Followed by notes of coriander and clove. Nice Pinot Noir fruit essence, gaining complexities and interest as the minutes pass. Lavender, black walnut.
Texture:
Medium in weight, with a fabulous feel in the mouth. Velvety smooth, elegant, long, lingering, distinctive, and excellent balance.
Flavors:
Rich dark berry fruit is surrounded by dark (mahogany) wood essence. Even darker fruits come forward as it develops. Ripe, stewed cherry fruit with underbrush, dark earth, spices, especially the clove and coriander. Finishing with strapped leather, hot roasted nuts, and black tea.
Serving Suggestions:
Will improve with 6-12 years in the bottle. Age some!!!
2018 Aspirant de Beychevelle, Chateau Beychevelle
Growing Region Saint Julien, Bordeaux, France
Varietal Composition 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 5% each Cabernet Franc & Petite Verdot
Fermentation French Oak
Alcohol Content 13.5%
Suggested Retail $47.00
WineSellar Club Price $42.29
Broad Strokes:
Château Beychevelle was built in the 18th century, in the Saint-Julien district of the Haut-Médoc. Its name was given to honor the first Duke of Epernon, a great French admiral and the previous owner of the estate. Boats that passed in front of his estate would lower their sails in respect and allegiance to this man of great repute. Thus, the emblem of the chateau is a ship, and its name comes from the Gascon, “Bêcha vela,” which meant “baisse voile” or “lower the sails, and later on evolved to Beychevelle.
Today, Chateau Beychevelle in Saint Julien is one of the more heralded properties in all of Bordeaux. Following centuries of producing excellent Bordeaux wines, the forward-looking enterprise is offering the Aspirant de Beychevelle, a more approachable bottling (both in the palate and the wallet) which holds firm the essence and character of the Chateau Beychevelle wines.
Appearance:
Straightforward label, same die-cut as the Chateau Beychevelle label. Same font too! The subtle difference is the image of the Duke of Epernon ships’ figurehead versus the full image of the dragon ship on Chateau Beychevelle’s Grand Cru label. Busy and ugly back label to get it imported here. Deep and dark red hue.
Nose:
Newish fresher oak wafts above the glass, with dark fruit, oak plum, blackberry and cherry nuances. Some leather and cedar, smoke. Classic Bordeaux aromatics.
Texture:
Medium in weight and body. Has an easy early palate feel to it, with the somewhat mild tannins providing a bit of grip, but are well integrated into the fruit.
Flavors:
Touches of spice, sweet vanilla oak, leather strap and Asian spices come off the boat first. Fruits follow the nose: blackberry, dark cherry, ripe and plum. A bit of earthiness shows in the revelations of mushrooms, coffee, and then black pepper.
Serving Suggestions:
More near term enjoyment, say five to eight years. Enjoy with roasted meats or mild cheeses.
Worley Family Lemon Bars
In keeping Holiday Cheers traditions alive here at The WineSellar & Brasserie, our WineSellar Club and Special Events Director Sarah Worley brought in a tray of lemon bars . . . perhaps the best I have ever had! I asked for the recipe to share with our club members, and it turns out to be a family recipe from the Worley’s. I am sure you will enjoy these!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
-
1 Cup of butter, softened
-
½ Cup white sugar
-
2 Cups all—purpose flour
For the Filling:
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4 eggs
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1 1/2 Cups white sugar
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¼ Cup all-purpose flour
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2 lemons, juiced
Method:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
For the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, blend together softened butter, two cups of flour and ½ cup of white sugar.
- Press into the bottom of an ungreased 13”x9” pan.
- Bake for 15-20m minutes in preheated oven, or until firm and brown.
For the Filling:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of sugar and ¼ cup of flour.
- Whisk in the eggs and the lemon juice.
- Pour over the baked crust.
- Bake for an additional 20 minutes in the preheated oven.
- The bars will firm up as it cools.
- When cooled, cut into uniform squares to serve.