Central Wine Fair 2024 (Part 2): the red and rosé wines

The vineyards of central Greece exhibit a unique dynamism, as evidenced by the 58 wineries that represented the region at the Central Wine Fair! The annual fair, organised by Winetuned and Vinnovation, featured nearly 600 wines, making it a real challenge to taste them all. Ten hours after entering, I managed to sample most of them in a rigorous tasting session of 60 wines per hour! However, the real challenge lay is selecting the most interesting ones, particularly in the rosé and red categories, which will be covered in Part 2. The scores assigned after tasting such a large number of wines should be considered indicative only.

Red wines

Avantis, Syrah 2022: This is the country`s most classic Syrah in one of its best years ever. Delicious and bittersweet, it presents marigold notes alongside juicy fruit without overwhelming the palate with excessive oak or smokiness. (8/10)

Avantis, Syrah Collection 2020: This outstanding wine is still somewhat closed, showcasing notable minerality, but it reveals its world-class character with remarkable length, ample acidity, and finely structured tannins, likely reaching its peak around 2030. (9/10)

Gikas, Maistros Red 2019: Far from a light, simple tank wine, Maistos is a top-notch Merlot with impressive concentration, sweet fruit, a vibrant body, and a meaty finish. Unexpected, yet not accidental! (8/10)

Thevaiki Earth, Mouchtaro 2019: This winery in Vagia, Boeotia, brings out the best in Mouchtaro, leveraging its unique mouthfeel to produce an explosive wine bursting with hibiscus and red fruit, while remaining airy and refreshing on the palate. (8.5/10)

Thebes Earth, Trypio Lithari 2021: This wine has been, is, and will always remain one of my favourite reds! Light and herbaceous, it seamlessly combines elegance and softness with a lively character and abundant fresh fruit. Enjoyable now, it will reach its peak in 2028. (8.5/10)

Zafeirakis, Limniona New Age 2021: The fruit from the newer plantings may lack the depth found in the classic Limniona, but this wine revels in its lightness, aromatic explosiveness, and a soft, acidic character reminiscent of Pinot Noir! (8/10)

Karadimos Family, Vissa Xinomavro 2018: This Xinomavro from Atalante is sometimes bold and fleshy, while at other times it leans more towards an old-school Naoussa style. The 2018 vintage belongs to the latter category, showcasing tomato and strawberry notes accompanied by well-integrated tannins. (8/10)

Lazaridis Kostas, Oenotria Land Syrah/Agiorgitiko 2020. For the first time, this collaboration successfully pairs Cabernet and Agiorgitiko. It`s a wine with intense oak backed by rich cassis flavours; strong yet not overpoweringly alcoholic. (8.5/10)

Markou, Echoes Agiorgitiko 2022: While Markou Vineyards has built its name on Savvatiano, they also excel with a beautiful Agiorgitiko from Attica. This wine offers a sweet and sour profile, intense notes, and a plummy herbal character. (8/10)

Migas, Limniona 2021. With this Limiona, the producer from Tyrnavos offers qualities that we don`t find on his other red labels: freshness, ideal fruit ripeness, and a peppery finish, complemented by soft tannins. (8/10)

Mouson Estate, Mukhtaro 2023: The consistency and stability of this exquisite wine are evident once more, showcasing a delightful spectrum of abundant fruit and hibiscus notes. Its airy power and impressive length suggest a promising aging potential of up to five year. (8.5/10)

Samartzis, M Barrique 2021: Each year, the winery of Thebes raises the bar for performance. This Merlot and Mouchtar blend reveals a velvety texture, persistence, and good structure, with the distinctive character of the latter taking the lead on the nose. (8/10)

Samartzis, Muktaro 2021: While this cuvée embodies the bold character of Muktaro, it manages to do so perfectly! All the greatness of the varietal is present, supercharged by ample concentration and accentuated barrel. (9/10)

Theopetra, Domaine Red 2022: This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Limniona once again secures its spot on our distinguished shortlist. Aromas of dark fruit and cherry on the nose lead to a well-balanced palate, supported by long, persistent tannins that keep the experience engaging. (8/10)

Rose wines

Vriniotis, Iama Rosé 2030: While its equally accomplished counterpart, Methea, is more expressive, this rosé made from the rare Vradiano grape showcases a distinct, understated power characterized by impressive acidity and a touch of robust tannins. (8/10)

Lykos, Opium 2023: Grenache may not be known for its aromatic intensity, but this rosé from Evia offers a nuanced expression of red fruit and minerality. One sip reveals a rich body and a remarkable length of flavor that makes it memorable. (8/10)

Mylonas, Concept 2024: Although the signature varietal blend of Malagouzia and Mandilaria remains unchanged, this rosé boasts a new label and name that reflect its transformation into a more exuberant, voluminous, and rounded wine, moving away from previous austerity. (8/10)

Chrysochou Rapsani, Moments 2023: Moments promises a delightful experience! This collaboration of Mosxato and Xinomavro from Rapsani delivers a smooth and powerful profile, with dried jasmine notes bursting from the glass. (Score: 8.5/10)