Here are two new wines from Greece to try now available in the LCBO regular stock:
Boutari Moschofilero LCBO#172387, $11.95
Boutari Agiorgitiko LCBO#172148, $11.95
The positive perception of Greek wines continues to gain momentum with the LCBO’s recent addition of two New Greek wines. The Kolonaki Group, Canada’s leading supplier of top quality Greek wines, is pleased to announce that The Boutari Company’s Moschofilero from OPAP Mantinia and Agiorgitiko from OPAP Nemea will be sold at the LCBO for $11.95, including bottle deposit. Both appellations are located in the Peloponnese and are produced exclusively from traditional grape varieties.
Boutari Moschofilero Mantinia LCBO# 172387, $11.95
The appellation of Mantinia is situated on a plateau at 600m above sea level in the heart of the Peloponnese. It is one of the coolest regions in Greece and often one of the last to harvest. The wines are decidedly cool climate, more reminiscent of northern Italy or Alsace than the Mediterranean. Moschofilero [moh-sko-FEE-leh-row] is the principal grape variety.
When fully ripe, Moschofilero is a dark-skinned white varietal, much like pinot gris or gewürztraminer. The resulting white wine possesses a pale pink or ‘grey’ tinge. Boutari’s Moschofilero is a classic example, with an effusive nose of rose petals, citrus and stone fruit. It’s light and crisp, with 12% alcohol and zesty acidity, making it a perfect choice for a wide range of foods. These include spicy Thai and Indian cuisine as well as traditional Mediterranean seafood and shellfish perfumed with sweet aromatic herbs. It can be compared to pinot grigio, albariño, or even more accurately, a blend of the aromatics of gewürztraminer with the lean, refreshing body of dry Riesling.
Boutari Agiorgitiko Nemea LCBO# 172148, $11.95
Nemea is Greece’s largest fine red wine appellation. Located near the town of Ancient Nemea in the Peloponnese, 1.5 hours east of Athens, the ruggedly beautiful, mountainous landscape is covered with endless acres of olive groves, cypress trees and vineyards. Wines are made exclusively from the local agiorgitiko [ay-yorh-YEE-tee-koh] variety, which means “St. George”. Agiorgitiko is a versatile grape that makes wines ranging in style from soft and fruity reds (think Beaujolais), to serious barrel-aged, plum and black fruit flavoured reds reminiscent of merlot-based right bank Bordeaux or Rioja Reserva. Boutari’s agiorgitiko is a round and refreshing red, perfect for backyard BBQs, pasta in red sauce or oven roasted chicken with savoury herbs.
What the Critics are saying
Boutari Moschofilero 2009 – 89 points
Moschofilero is one of Greece’s top indigenous varietals, and as I have stated before, it is becoming the countries signature aromatic white, much like Albarino is to Spain. The latest vintage of this wine showcases peach, pear, flowers, green apple and minerals. The palate is very refreshing with a lengthy finish. It is a perfect patio pleaser or serve it with appetizers. – Evan Saviolidis
Boutari Agiorgitiko 2007- 87 points
This Agiorgitikio (aka St. George) is a great value. It serves up a combination of dark cherries, plums, earth, violets and clove on the nose. In the mouth, dark cocoa and vanilla add more complexity. Tannins and acid are both soft. Try with grilled sausages or herb marinated pork chops. – Evan Saviolidis
About the Boutari Company
Founded in 1879, in Macedonia, Boutari is one of Greece’s oldest wine companies. Today, Boutari produces a vast range of top value/quality wines throughout Greece’s major wine growing regions.
For more information, we invite you to visit www.kolonakigroup.com and www.boutari.gr.
