Comments on: A perfect evening

By: Judging "slow" wines | ELLOINOS

Judging "slow" wines | ELLOINOS — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:55:54 +0000

[...] can also give birth to wines that share a similar thread. To me the red wines produced by the Alpha Estate are nearly always “slow starters” that accelerate after some time in the [...]

By: elloinos

elloinos — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 04:41:04 +0000

Kosta, the complete range of Alpha is commendable. I also really like their Red, but have found some vintage variation. Personally I very much prefer the 05 over the 06. The Alpha One is a novelty as the grape varieties and the percentage of the blend is changed every year, only the best grapes are used. Some good examples of Pinot Noir have been produced lately, but I am not quite as convinced if this is the way to go forward. But I do applaud the efforts to experiment and strive for the best. Thanks for the recommendation on Le Petit Sommelier in Paleo Faliro. I do hope to get the opportunity to go there at some point.

By: Kostas Katsoulieris

Kostas Katsoulieris — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 21:21:59 +0000

Wow! I didn’t know Alpha had a Chardonnay! I must give it a try. Alpha Red is a favourite of mine and as you state is a food wine. I have yet to try the Syrah…although I have a bottle in my cellar that I am waiting to open. I am also looking forward to the new Alpha One with Tannat. I never thought Greece was the right place for Pinot Noir but a recent tasting of a 2006 Pinot from Papaioannou has surprised me. I think they are on the right track. If you ever venture down to the southern suburbs, I can recommend Le Petit Sommelier in Paleo Faliro. Bis spaeter! KK

By: elloinos

elloinos — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:25:11 +0000

Paul, unfortunately I don’t spent many evenings like this myself. Glad to hear that you had the Alpha Sauvignon Blanc, regardless of the surroundings

By: Paul D

Paul D — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:18:42 +0000

I’m also extremely jealous, that would be my idea of a perfect evening. Although I enjoyed a bottle of the Alpha Sauvignon Blanc a few weeks ago it was in considerably less glamourous surroundings.

By: elloinos

elloinos — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:24:53 +0000

Constance, I agree that a key strength of Greek wines are the indigenous grape varieties. It is good to see though that vintners are not afraid to experiment with international varieties. Sometimes this can lead to really surprising finds. Gewurztraminer grown in the cooler areas of Greece can be stunning, and one would never guess that the wines are from Greece. As you rightly point out, it can be very interesting to see how terroir effects this. Personally, I also prefer the Greek varieties, still, I think it is a good sign that vintners strive for innovation.

By: ConstanceC

ConstanceC — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:15:35 +0000

I must say I am rather jealous!! It is also interesting to see that the wines were made from varietals that are not indigenous to Greece. I think that may be slightly disappointing as Greeks have such wonderful varietals all on their own! However, I have very little experience with any Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc or Gewurtraminer from Greece and would be very interested to see how the terroir has effected each.

By: elloinos

elloinos — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:07:28 +0000

It was a marvelous indeed. You know, Greeks are pretty good in finding the best things in life and integrating them into their own culture

By: Thomas Pellechia

Thomas Pellechia — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:01:36 +0000

Sounds marvelous.

What’s with all those Italian dishes in Greece???