Global warming continues to play havoc in Mediterranean countries, with temperatures rising at around twice the global average in Europe compared to the rest of the world.
Greece has had 4500 wildfires this year alone, for example, and has been searingly hot in recent summers.
You might think that this means Greece may become too hot for grape-growing, but most wine regions are in cooler regions at altitude.
Also, Greek vineyards are dominated by native varieties well suited to the warm climate.
Greece is arguably the most exciting wine producer in the EU right now and has had a full on renaissance everywhere from Crete to the province of Macedonia in the far north.
Oinos wines began importing exclusively Greek wines just over a year ago and at their recent portfolio tasting there was only quality on show.
Gradually, off-licences restaurants and wine bars are taking notice, and you will find Oinos wines in Whelehans, MacCurtain Wine Cellar and in Glass Curtain restaurant across the road. The excellent Union Wine Bar in Waterford also take some.
Cassidy wines have recently taken on three producers from Greece and it is great to see larger companies like this take an interest in this cruelly underrated wine producing country.
Don’t forget that philosophy came from ancient wine parties held in Greece — Symposiums.
I feature three Greek wines below that have not appeared here before. Also watch for the Kamara Estate range from Wines Direct (e.g. their Pet-Nat Rosé and Assyrtiko) and I love the wines of Lyrarakis from Crete (MacCurtain Wine Cellar, Bradleys, Mortons, Whelehans).
O’Briens have the Gaia estate from Nemea which is a top end producer but worth the price, and if your local independent wine merchant doesn’t stock Greek wines ask them why not!?
Athlon 2019, Nemea, Greece. €10
Athlon 2019, Nemea, Greece. €10
Aldi Stores nationwide
Nemea in the Peloponnese is Greece’s most renowned wine region, famous for its Agiorgitiko based red wines.
This is 100% Agiorgitiko, floral and ripe with violets and dark berry fruit aromas and a soft plummy palate with a touch of chocolate.
If you want to try a finer version look to Gaia Agiorgitiko in O’Briens which is currently on offer for €17.
Alpha Estate Single Vineyard Malagouzia ‘Turtles’, Florina PGI, Greece. €26
Alpha Estate Single Vineyard Malagouzia ‘Turtles’, Florina PGI, Greece. €26
Canavin Limerick & Galway; Mitchells; Deveneys; Blackrock Cellar; TtheAalotment.ie
Florina in Northern Greece has the most temperate climate in Greece thanks to altitude.
This gorgeous floral wine from 100% Malagouzia has honeysuckle and tropical fruit aromas and a rounded palate balanced by texture and complexity.
There is also a ripe dark-fruited Alpha Syrah-Xinomavro blend for the same price.
Domaine Karanika Old Vine Xinomavro 2019, North West Greece, €29
Domaine Karanika Old Vine Xinomavro 2019, North West Greece, €29
MacCurtain Wine Cellar; Whelehans; Searsons; 64 Wines
Xinomavro is the Nebbiolo of Greece and almost always interesting.
This is excellent — made from pre-phylloxera ungrafted vines, unfiltered and natural.
Complex aromas of strawberry and sour cherry with vanilla and black olives, racy and full on the palate with fine acidity and length.
Karanika also make an excellent traditional method sparkling wine.
Augustiner Oktoberfest Bier, 6.3% abv, 50cl, €4.40
Augustiner Oktoberfest Bier, 6.3% abv, 50cl, €4.40
Bradleys; Matsons; Martins; World Wide Wines; Independents
Munich’s Oktoberfest finished on October 6th but you can still participate by picking up some of the special edition beers.
Rascals’ website has a deal of 50% off on their Jailbreak Helles and Aldi has kegs of Bitburger and other deals.
I look forward to the Augustiner Oktoberfest edition every year, biscuity and fruity with grassy fresh hops and a crisp pure taste.