Biblia Chora Areti Red 2007
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The estate vineyards are at an altitude of 400 m, on infertile and rocky soil, and cultivation follows the principles of organic farming, with particular respect for the environment. Other vine-growing tasks (e.g. leaf thinning, harvest) are done using traditional methods and without the use of any particularly high-tech means. The modern winery is built in the middle of the vineyard and has an area of 5,500 m2. It includes areas for vinification, bottling, aging in both barrels and bottles, wine-tasting, reception and hospitality for visitors, as well as a multi-purpose hall (for conferences and presentations). All of the areas reveal the good taste and philosophy of the owners with regard to quality and high aesthetics related to wine.
These days, the Biblia Chora Estate produces 11 wines: Ktima Biblia Chora White, Ktima Biblia Chora Rosé, Ktima Biblia Chora Red, Ktima Biblia Chora Chardonnay, Ktima Biblia Chora Merlot, Ovilos White, Ovilos Rosé, Ovilos Red, Ktima Biblia Chora Sweet, Areti White and Areti Red.
Beyond the usual suspects, there are hundreds of red grape varieties grown throughout the world. Some are indigenous specialties capable of producing excellent single varietal wines, while others are better suited for use as blending grapes. Each has its own distinct viticultural characteristics, as well as aroma and flavor profiles, offering much to be discovered by the curious wine lover. In particular, Portugal and Italy are known for having a multitude of unique varieties but they can really be found in any region.
A picturesque Mediterranean nation with a rich wine culture dating back to ancient times, Greece has so much more to offer than just retsina. Between the mainland and the country’s many islands, a wealth of Greek wine styles exists, made mostly from Greece’s plentiful indigenous varieties. After centuries of adversity after Ottoman rule, the modern Greek wine industry took off in the late 20th century with an influx of newly trained winemakers and investments in winemaking technology.
The climate—generally hot Mediterranean—can vary a bit with latitude and elevation, and is mostly moderated by cool maritime breezes. Drought can be an issue for Greek wine during the long, dry summers, sometimes necessitating irrigation.
Over 300 indigenous grapes have been identified throughout Greece, and though not all of them are suitable for wine production, future decades will likely see a significant revival and refinement of many of these native Greek wine varieties. Assyrtiko, the crisp, saline Greek wine variety of the island of Santorini, is one of the most important and popular white wine varieties, alongside Roditis, Robola, Moschofilero, and Malagousia. Muscat is also widely grown for both sweet and dry wines. Prominent red wine varieties include full-bodied and fruity Agiorghitiko, native to Nemea; Macedonia’s savory, tannic Xinomavro; and Mavrodaphne, used commonly to produce a Port-like fortified wine in the Peloponnese.