Winemaker Notes
This blend of the two indigenous varieties of Ioannina, Vlahiko and Bekari, creates an enviable dry red wine with a bursting aromatic character. The earthy elegance that is given from the aromas of freshly cut mushroom as well as the spicy elements in its composition create a completely complex and fascinating bouquet of aromas. The color and flavor bring to mind wild red and black berries, such as blueberries and wild cherries. It ages for 2 years in French oak barrels and it is enriched with aromas and body, thus becoming even more exceptional.
Professional Ratings
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Wine & Spirits
The vláhiko grape gets its name from the Vlach people, a Romance-speaking ethnic minority of the southern Balkans, extending into northern Greece. The grape is one of several indigenous varieties that Thomas Glínavos works with in his family’s vineyards near Lake Ioánnina, in semi-mountainous Epirus. Crunchy acidity points up the herbal and floral notes accenting the red fruit here. Pulsing with energy, this will take a light chill well for your next grilled lamb chop.
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.