Skouras Megas Oenos Red 2012
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Robert
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The 2012 Megas Oenos is a 75/25 blend of Old Vines Agiorgitiko and Cabernet Sauvignon. It was aged for 18 months in French oak (half new, half used). If you want to see the difference in a young Megas Oenos and one settling into maturity (like the 2005 oldie, also reviewed), this provides a good example. Here, the fruit and the oak are both fresher. This wine, though, maintains its elegance. The power is actually better controlled here, the tannins present but relatively riper. In this big vintage, where the wines tend to be rich and richer (and some producers went a bit overboard, perhaps), this is a gorgeously balanced Megas Oenos that is bursting with flavor. Yet, nothing seems out of place. It has a certain crispness in the background, but not too much. It has fine tannic support, but it sneaks up on you. It has wonderful flavor and surprising sex appeal, but it never seems candied. It is a wine you can drink today--and probably 20 years from now, too. It touches all the bases. It is a very fine value.
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With hundreds of red grape varieties to choose from, winemakers have the freedom to create a virtually endless assortment of blended red wines. In many European regions, strict laws are in place determining the set of varieties that may be used, but in the New World, experimentation is permitted and encouraged resulting in a wide variety of red wine styles. Blending can be utilized to enhance balance or create complexity, lending different layers of flavors and aromas. For example, a red wine blend variety that creates a fruity and full-bodied wine would do well combined with one that is naturally high in acidity and tannins. Sometimes small amounts of a particular variety are added to boost color or aromatics. Blending can take place before or after fermentation, with the latter, more popular option giving more control to the winemaker over the final qualities of the wine.
How to Serve Red Wine
A common piece of advice is to serve red wine at “room temperature,” but this suggestion is imprecise. After all, room temperature in January is likely to be quite different than in August, even considering the possible effect of central heating and air conditioning systems. The proper temperature to aim for is 55° F to 60° F for lighter-bodied reds and 60° F to 65° F for fuller-bodied wines.
How Long Does Red Wine Last?
Once opened and re-corked, a bottle stored in a cool, dark environment (like your fridge) will stay fresh and nicely drinkable for a day or two. There are products available that can extend that period by a couple of days. As for unopened bottles, optimal storage means keeping them on their sides in a moderately humid environment at about 57° F. Red wines stored in this manner will stay good – and possibly improve – for anywhere from one year to multiple decades. Assessing how long to hold on to a bottle is a complicated science. If you are planning long-term storage of your reds, seek the advice of a wine professional.
A large southern region of Greece, the Peloponnese contains the famous appellations of Nemea and Mantineia. While connected to the mainland by a tiny strip of land, essentially the region is a large Mediterranean island and excels in the production of red wine from Agiorghitiko, white from Moscofilero and sweet wine from the Mavrodaphne grape.