Tastes Greek to Me

Spiropoulos Red Stag 2002
Greece, Peloponnese, Nemea ($12)

My last few years living in Astoria have opened up my taste buds to the foods of Greece. From souvlaki to saganaki, I've been expanding my horizons weekly, and you know you are in Astoria when the Greek wine section is larger than the French or Italian sections. Typically I'm drinking Greek house reds from a tumbler at the local restaurants. This is only one of a few times I have picked up a bottle at the store for home consumption.

The Spiropoulos family has been cultivating grapes in the Peloponnese region of Greece since 1860. Their winery is located more specifically in Nemea, a mountainous area 650 meters above sea level. Wines from Nemea are commonly found in the Greek section no matter what city you are in. The grape used in this Red Stag label wine is Agiorgitiko, a nobel red variety that is the second most planted grape in Greece.

This bottle was a more refined and exciting version of the same varietal in the house wine versions I've drank in Astoria. Dark red color with a sweet ripe red berry aroma and spice to boot. Supple tannins and a dry medium body combine for a pleasing sipping wine that would also pair well with food, including roasted chicken or lamb. Forest berry flavors with a smoky undertones make this an interesting experience. Even though I love soft tannins and earthy qualities in my reds, this wine seamed to really beg for more tannins to balance the long woodsy finish. Overall though it's a thought provoking wine that makes me want to try more expensive Greek versions of this varietal. My grade: B