I just returned from Nemea, where I once again visited Ktima Palivou. I spend about two hours with Georgos Palivos, and time just flew by. He took me to his vineyards that start at about 320 m above sealevel and go all the way up to 520 m. The soil is extremly stony and rocky, the vines certainly struggle to dig their roots deep down. Georgos told me that they had to split lots of large rocks with heavy machinery before any vines could be planted. One can see the terroir and the different coloured soil structures just by looking down the slopes. These are the perfect soil conditions for Agiorgitiko. The top part of the plot is used only for the premium wine. Georgos has also used a small plot at the lower end to create a “vine museum”. He has planted up to 60 extremly rare vine varieties, including the white Xinisteri. After we went back to his estate, he presented me with a barrel sample of an experimental wine – only 3 barrels exist. It is two thirds Agiorgitiko, blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. The nose was very open and bursting with fruit aromas, spices and vanilla. It was full bodied and dense, the finish went on and on – a great wine in the making. He also let me presented me with another barrel sample – again only 3 barrels produced – of a 1999 sweet red wine. 10 years and still in barrel! This was even more complex, with a very open nose of red fruits and raisins, great on the palate, again full bodied, but also with a very elegant signature. The finish was extremly long and it was hard resisting to empty the glass (but it was just midday). Two great wines!
