New Wines Of Greece

• Author: admin

Breaking news …
Word from the vineyards is that 2013 is turning out to be another great one for Greek wine. Harvest came early again this year due to a warm, even growing season, but the vines managed to escape any long hot, summer spells. So, add that together with a mild winter, early rains and cool northern winds during July/August and the results- vibrant, healthy grapes with great juice expected just about everywhere. Harvest is still ongoing in some areas, depending on the grape variety and the following is a spot check of some of the regions that have been reporting in.

Santorini
This year’s harvest was one of the earliest ever in Santorini, beginning at the end of July and finishing before August was done. As usual, first up were Athiri and Assyrtiko varieties, with Aidani, Mavrotragano and Mandilaria bringing up the rear. Because of the residual effects of a “perfect storm” (Winds over 11 Beaufort) that damaged the vines during the 2012 growing season, there was a 20% decrease in production this year. But, the good news… this year’s juice is being compared to the benchmark vintages of 2009 and 2011. Like these stellar vintages, the 2013s are showing great aromatics and structure, with firm acidities and, of course, intense minerality, the Santorini trademark.

Nemea
Harvest was in full swing by the middle of September and so far this year’s production appears to be significantly higher with some areas up almost 30%. Mild winter and summer weather kept the grapes healthy with good acidity, aromas and color. Diverse vineyard orientation, together with a range of different elevations in the Nemea appellation, (some up to 1000 meters) are producing some interesting site specific variations in the wines that will again this year enhance the interest in creating sub-appellations there.

Mantinia
The harvest in Mantinia began the last week of September, almost 10 days earlier than usual. A recent hailstorm and frost damage actually had the positive effects of a sort of “green harvest” leaving the remaining grapes to ripen well and evenly. The grapes are coming in a bit over 12% alcohol, a little higher than usual, but with intense aromas and typical, crisp Moschofilero acidity.

Naoussa
As in the rest of Greece, the Xinomavro harvest began early after the first week of September and is pretty much done. Some vineyards suffered hail damage, but production was not affected. A hot, dry August meant irrigation was needed to keep vine stress at manageable levels. Tannin management with Xinomavro means paying attention to the phenolic ripeness of the pits and this year things are looking good. The only unusual twist this harvest is that the pits are smaller and instead of 2-3 pits per berry there’s only 1-2 pits. Could make for an interesting situation! Sugars and colors are coming in good, so the wines will have high expectations.

Amyndeo
A mild winter and early bud break mixed with good pre-summer rains meant extra time spent on canopy management this growing season. But, the Xinomavro in this appellation is showing good, even phenolic ripeness, never an easy thing to pull off with this diva of a grape. The berries are also smaller, due to a late summer drought, but even though production is off, the grapes are healthy with positive results expected.

Rapsani
A great year is expected in Rapsani with a harvest that began the last week of September. This unusual appellation is a field blend of Xinomavro, Krasato and Stavroto varieties that are vinified altogether, producing layers of complexity and long-aging potential. The phenolic maturity for these varieties, always a challenge, looks good as spring rains and a mild summer made for even ripening during the growing season.

Goumenissa
2013 is shaping up well for this appellation and like the Xinomavro in nearby regions, the phenolics are excellent. The wines in this appellation include at least 20% of the Negoska variety, a grape that adds color and fruit to the blend. The grapes are healthy, with slightly higher sugar levels and are showing some excellent aromatics.

Stay tuned for what actually shows up in the bottle!