Fall Wines From Greece & Georgia
Malagousia, “Microcosmos”, Dom. Zafeirakis $18.96
If you’re into powerfully aromatic whites like Gewürztraminer, Viognier, and Zibibbo (aka air freshener wines), you should get to know Greece’s Malagousia. As soon as you pour the Microcosmos Malagousia, you’ll be seduced by the pungent aromas of peaches and roses. The palate is brisk and has good weight. It truly out drinks its modest price point. Ideal with grilled octopus. – Chung Park, Astor Wines & Spirits Sales Consultant
Rosé, Grenache Rouge, Dourakis $19.96
Dourakis winery is in the western part of Crete and sits against a backdrop of stunningly beautiful mountains. The family is committed to growing grapes organically and letting the place speak through the grapes. Their rosé is 100% Grenache rouge, which produces a dry, vibrant, salmon-colored wine with gorgeous strawberry and apricot notes. Yamas! – Amy Miller, Sales Manager
Terra Ambera, Garalis $21.96
If you have wanted to dip your toe into skin-contact wines, Terra Ambera is a great place to start. When we say skin contact, it means that the grape must (crushed grapes with skins, seeds, and sometimes stems) from a light-skinned varietal has been allowed to macerate for a period of time. In simple terms, a white wine that is made like a red wine. The longer the maceration, the more intense the effect on the wine. A lighter style, Terra Ambera is a natural, spontaneously-fermented wine made from Muscat of Alexandria and has 5 days of skin contact in stainless steel. It’s light, mouthwatering, and easy to drink on its own or with lighter fare. It’s bursting with tropical and orange citrus fruits and white blossoms, held together with an almost lush green finish and a light tannic structure similar to that of unsweetened black iced tea. – Hannah Weiss, Astor Wines & Spirits Sales Consultant
Moschomavro, Magoutes Vineyard, Diamantis $21.96
Don’t let Greek wine intimidate you just because the varieties are tough to pronounce. I often find that wines overlooked due to pronunciation anxiety are some of the most fun to drink. Case in point: Maschomavro (Moss-KOH-mah-vroh). As opposed to some of the bolder red varieties grown in neighboring regions, this is pale and crunchy with zippy acid and notes of cherry, pomegranate, and dried raspberries. If you want something with a bit more energy than the spicy, fuller-bodied reds associated with winter, this variety is a sure bet. – Bambi Ray, Sales Manager
Dato’s Wine, Chkhaveri Rosé $34.99
Bordering the Black Sea, in the Western region of Georgia known as Guria, Dato Kobidze captures the truly compelling flavors of his homeland. This wine, a qvevri-fermented and aged rosé made from the local Chkhaveri grape, has a unique personality that is both fascinating and delicious. After 20-30 days of maceration, which extracts a deeper color and flavor from the skins, we are left with a darker and more savory rosé that is perfect for the dinner table. The aroma alone will command your attention, while the flavors fully open on your palate as sweet corn, wild cherries, and spices all dance together. The refreshing acidity and balanced tannins will elevate your next meal.. A one-of-a-kind wine with only 800 bottles produced! – Alex Malecki, Astor Wines & Spirits Consultant
Tsitsqa-Tsolikouri, Gia Jamberidze $30.96
One of the great joys that wine provides is the chance to be continually surprised. This is not a facet of life where you can honestly say “I’ve seen it all, tasted everything, know all there is to know.” Georgia wines in particular are an endless parade of the unknown. For example, this finely chiseled white from Gia Jamberidze. He works his magic in Guria in the western part of the country, along the Black sea coast. That salty sea air comes through on the palette along with bright fresh citrus notes and a lovely leesy texture. A great pair with fish. Why drink another Sauvignon Blanc when you could have a Georgian Tsisqa-Tsolikouri? – Amy Miller, Sales Manager