White Wine Artemis Karamolegos Pyritis Santorini Mega Cuvee 2020. It may benefit from decanting. The Karamolegos Winery is located in Exo Gonià, on the island of Santorini. Founded in 1952 by Artemis Karamolegos, the winery underwent a major renovation in 2004 by the founder’s grandson. The company invests in the vineyards, which are even a hundred years old, and carefully follows the selection of grape suppliers, to represent an authentic expression of the territory. The wine is 100% Assirtyko, from over 100-year-old vines cultivated ungrafted, in vineyards located in Pyrgos and Megalochori. Fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature using only neutral yeasts to keep the varietal character of this native grape and the expression of its terroir as much as possible. The wine finally matures on the lees for 10 months.Pyritis by Karamolegos, produced in limited quantities, shows in the glass the brightness and energy of a great Mediterranean white, and the mineral profile of a wine produced from volcanic soil. This Assyrtiko has a bright color and an intense and complex aromatic profile with mineral and flint notes, typical of this grape and fruity aromas. On the palate, the wine is savory and crispy with a good concentration of fruit and a surprising richness. It is elegant and juicy, fresh, and characteristic of the territory. The aftertaste is persistent and mineral. It is a food-friendly wine that can match plenty of fish dishes as well as white meat preparations.
2020
White Wine Artemis Karamolegos Pyritis Santorini Mega Cuvee 2020
White Wine Artemis Karamolegos Santorini 2020. Drink it now. No need to decant. Established in 1952, the Artemis Karamolegos winery produces wines from indigenous grape varieties such as Assyrtiko, Aidani, Athyri, and Mavrotragano on the island of Santorini. Here the characteristic microclimate and the volcanic calcareous soil create environmental conditions in which only some local varieties manage to survive. This wine is a blend of 90% Assyrtiko, 10% Athiri, Aidani. The grapes are selected from old vineyards in different parts of the island, especially Pyrgos, Exo Gonia, Megalochori, and to a lesser extent from Akrotiri, Emporio, and Fira. After the harvest, the different grapes are treated separately. They are first subjected to cold maceration and then fermented in separate steel tanks at a controlled temperature. The final blend is decided based on the profile of each vintage and matures on the lees for at least 5 months. The wine has a refined character with a complex aromatic profile dominated by stone fruit and citrus notes combined with mineral, jasmine, and herbaceous floral aromas which are characteristic of Athiri and Aidani grapes. It is fresh and lively, but also dense and elegant with a good intensity of fruit and a persistent aftertaste. It is the ideal wine to serve with a fish carpaccio, shrimps, octopus, or squid or with some of the Greek vegetarian specialties.
2020
White Wine Ata Rangi Te Wa Sauvignon Blanc 2020. Founded by local dairy farmer Clive Paton in the 1980s, Ata Rangi means dawn sky” or new beginning” in the Maori language. Despite a lack of winemaking knowledge, Paton was inspired to set up his own winery here in New Zealand’s Marlborough region after reading a scientific study comparing the local terroir with that found in Burgundy. He boldly sold his dairy cows and bought 5 hectares of barren land used to graze sheep which would become the first vineyards of Ata Rangi. Today Ata Rangi is recognised as one of the country’s top producers of Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. This light and elegant Sauvignon Blanc is named Te Wa” or time and place” in homage to the cool climate of the Martinborough Terrace and the stony alluvial soils which help preserve plenty of aromatics and freshness in the wine. The fruit used for this bottling is all farmed organically and yields are naturally kept low by the cool spring weather. Zesty citrus, green apple, and freshly cut grass dominate on the nose while the first sip reveals a mouthwatering acidity, light body and delicate notes of stone fruit, gooseberry, lemon, and dried herbs. The refreshing profile makes this a great aperitif or partner for grilled fish, seafood, sushi or spicy Asian salads.
2020