![]() ![]() The main region is on the right bank of the Rhine opposite Alsace. Baden (15%): A spread out region that is split in several areas. Expect full body wines with ripe aromatics and the highest ABV of Germany. Pflaz (23%): The northern continuation of Alsace. The area along the Rhine between Oppenheim and Nackenheim or near Worms produce the top wines of the region Rheinhessen (26% of vineyards): A warm and dry region that is the workhorse of Germany. The German grape growing core area is made of the five regions: Pfalz, Rheinhessen, Mosel, Baden and Wurttemberg - together they represent 85% of all German wines: Second part the overview of #German #Wines with a review of the main German regions. You won’t have to twist my arm too hard to have fun pairing these wines with the equally delicious Greek food. I am afraid that the only way to learn is to practice and to taste more Greek wines. It is hard to keep all these fascinating Greek varieties and style straight. The Ionian islands production is centered on Cephalonia making deeply colored reds from Avgoustiatis and whites from Robola and Tsaoussi. The white grape Monemvassia (sometime mistakenly taken for Malvasia) can also be found or the interesting red Limnio variety from Limnos. Muscat is grown across many of the islands making delicious, sweet Mistella (unfermented grape juice+distilled grape spirit) as well as sweet and dry wines (Samos or Rhodes are great examples). Crete is also an island full of indigenous grapes such as the white Vidiano, Plyto and Dafni or the red Kotsifali and Mandilaria. Assyrtiko is the base for the making of excellent dry wines or the rarer sweet Vinsanto version made from dehydrated grapes. ![]() Their most prized indigenous variety is Assyrtiko from Santorini (which would deserve its own post due to its unique viticultural conditions). The Aegan islands are numerous and produce excellent distinctive wines. The region is also known for its sweet and fortified Muscat and the great sundried, fermented and fortified Mavrodaphne wines (chocolate covered dried raisin anyone?). Patra, in the Northwest of the peninsula, is dominated by the pink Roditis grape which makes quick to market white wines with ephemeral aromatics of apples and citrus (alike Pinot Gris). ![]() Mantinia is the equivalent center of excellence for whites with the aromatic white Moschofilero grape. Nemea is the center of excellence for reds (Agiorgitiko grape). High altitude in the center east of the region allows to retain freshness, which is one reason why the Nemea and Mantinia regions are held in such esteem. Peloponnese is the volume producing area of Greece making good quantities of affordable wines. Saviatano is also the base for many Retsina wines. Attica, near Athens, relies on the Saviatano white grape (the #1 white grape planted in Greece) making neutral white wines. The center of Greece is a relatively unexplored area with obscure terroirs such as Zitsa (white Debina grape for still and sparkling wines) or Rapsani (riper version of Xinomavro). The region of Chalkidiki, South of Thessaloniki, is more influenced by the Mediterranean Sea and excellent whites are made there from the Malagousia grape (alike a dry gewurztraminer). In Goumenissa, Xinomavro is often blended with Negoska which is produces fleshier wines. If Xinomavro is comparable to Nebbiolo, then Naoussa would be Barolo and Amindeo would be Gattinara (racier acidity). Northern Macedonia is the most continental area in Greece with the important regions of Naoussa and Amindeo which are producing stellar Xinomavro wines. Let’s go around Greece following its political regions: Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil-as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.Now for a geographical view of #Greek #wines. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.Ĭabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |