Greek treasures of Epanomi

Last year, in my post First Vintages: A Greek Wine Retrospective 1984-2007 I wrote: “there is no doubt in my mind that the Greek reds (many whites, as well, but only two wines were included in the lineup) age fantastically over a period of two decades, and even more, depending on vintage characteristics, variety and wine making philosophy. This, of course, is also dependent on the levels of ripeness that were sought after in that era.”

This was my synopsis of a rare tasting that went back to 1984. In this particular tasting only two whites had been included, which made any inferences about the aging potential of Greek whites rather precarious. Of course, the aging potential of Santorini wines is often postulated, but how many have we ever actually tasted from before the vintage 2000? This is the reason for which, when I refer to the aging potential of Assyrtiko, in my e-book I state: “drink your Santorini 6-10 years after the vintage and go even further for top-examples.”

During a recent visit to Epanomi and Ktima Gerovassiliou, in Thessaloniki, I was offered the opportunity to share a tasting of Greek wine history with Evangelos Gerovassiliou (pictured below) and Argyris Gerovassiliou; his beautiful estate is a wine destination that should not be missed. It emanates an aura reminiscent of Tuscany, despite being in Greece. I tasted both whites and reds. We started with his new rosé , which is produced with the method of direct pressing and has an abv of 13,6%; the output is 20.000 bottles. Very fresh, with impressive lively acidity and tension (pH 3.22) showing the varietal typicity of Xinomavro; red cherries together with some herbal and mineral nuances. Gerovassiliou comments that “this will have a screw cap, so as to preserve fruit purity''. ''I am generally considering the use of screw caps for all the whites in the near future” he adds.

The whites (87, 88, 92, 94, 02, 07, 11, 17 and Malagousia 08 and 10)

The whites went back to 1987; the white blend of Malagousia and Assyrtiko, that is now named Ktima white, was called Beau Soleil at that time. I knew the story but I had never tasted this wine. I was really surprised when I saw the line up that included 1987 and 1988 Beau Soleil, 1992, 1994, 2002, 2007, 2011 under screw cap, and 2017 white Ktima. Among these rare wines, that were an introduction to Gerovassiliou wines, 1988 was a shock; herbal, with light oxidative notes, along a harmonious, very elegant palate. Poised with citrus fruit and 11.5% abv (these were the days). Could hold for another 2-3 years. Other favourites, included the 1994 - lightly oaked, creamy with 12% abv; a gastronomic, very complex wine. Ktima 2002 drank perfectly now and exhibited a combination of honey and mint.

Of the younger vintages the 2011, which had a screw cap, looked very vibrant, as if it were only 3-4 years old, and had sound varietal typicity; the 2017 is still a baby. It’s a pity we drink some of these wines far too young in Greece. It takes time to educate a broader audience. A couple of Malagousia wines were also included – the 2008 and 2010, with the latter still showing strength. Gerovassiliou commented that it is hard for Malagousia to exceed a decade of life unless it is treated with oak.