Small Winemakers, Big Goals! (Part 2)

In the first part of my impressions from the Small Winemakers 2025 exhibition, I presented the white and rosé wines that left the greatest impression on me. These wines come from various regions of Greece, representing the diverse offerings of over 60 members of the Association of Small Winemakers of Greece.

However, their red wines were even more impressive, honouring the exceptional raw materials, the majority of which come from their own vineyards. Therefore, no matter which of the following labels you bring to your glass, you can be assured that you will encounter a dense, well-structured, and truly intriguing wine!

Red Wines

Anatolikos, MV 2021: While the wet leaves and cedar try to make an initial impression, the vibrant fruit takes center stage. This Bordeaux-style blend is a wine of substance rather than one meant to impress. Best enjoyed in 5 years. (8/10)

Apostolidis, Syrah 2020: With 14.5% alcohol, it certainly shows! This oak-aged Syrah resembles a Grenache from the tank, filling the glass with red fruits, oregano, and fresh herbs. It boasts a medium body and a peppery finish. (8/10)

Vourvoukelis, Limnio 2019: In this floral and raspberry-forward red from Xanthi, nothing is out of place, and nothing is overly impressive. This doesn`t mean it is indifferent; rather, it is balanced and harmonious! (7.5/10)

Gkoumas, Avgoustiatis 2023: Originating from a vineyard at 450 meters, this inox red from Zakynthos offers a bloody structure, intense flavour, and a spiced tannic profile that many oak-aged premium cuvées would envy! Best enjoyed in 2-3 years. (8/10)

Karanika, Limniona 2021: The producer from Amynteo has a slightly heavier hand with reds compared to his wonderful sparkling wines, yet here he achieves lightness, finesse, ample acidic fruit, and soft tannins! (8.5/10)

Maron, Cyclops Red 2024: Another commendable effort from Thrace and the newly established winery of Nikola Katsaridis. Tannic and peppery, this red from 35-year-old vines offers a bouquet of flowers and raspberry. (7.5/10)

Moschopolis, Aiόra Red 2022: Xinomavro, Mavrotragano, and Syrah come together in a blend that matures in Cretan amphorae. The result is soft and delicate, filled with dense notes of ink. (8/10)

Ntougos, Meth` ymón "L" 2023: The winery from the Tempi region treats the delicate Limniona with necessary tenderness, and in return, it responds with persistent lightness, zesty fruit, and beautiful tannins. Wonderful! (8.5/10)

Ntougos, Rapsani Old Vines 2022: Still young, this always delightful Old Vines is particularly reserved in its character of red fruits. However, the palate is impressively long, surprisingly soft, and spicy with a peppery finish. (8/10)

Oinops, Limniona 2022: The winery from Drama, using grapes from Mesonikola in Karditsa, delivers a particularly delicate result. A light red that matures in amphorae, featuring good length and aristocratic notes of violet. (8.5/10)

Papargyriou, Le Roi des Montagnes Syrah 2022: This Syrah once again takes your breath away with its monstrous concentration, unmanageable weight, and fruit tones that balance out the tannins. Spicy and... regal! (8.5/10)

Papargyriou, La Reine des Montagnes 2023: Lighter and more delicate (for Papargyriou!), this Mavrodafni is just as befitting of a queen! Aromas of raisin and basil, tannins, and a peppery softness. (8/10)

Petrekopoulos, Mavro 2022: The most classic label from the small-batch Cephalonia producer adopts a less oaky, blockbuster style. The result is wonderfully fruity, elegantly acidic, and aristocratically animalistic! (8.5/10)

Pyrgaki Estate, Nemea Spilia 2022: Abundant fruit and oak clash in `22, but this is the first time the latter doesn`t dominate, while the fruit is free from the curse of over-ripeness. Best enjoyed from `27. (8/10)

Sarris, Megali Petra 2023: An impressively rich expression of raw meat blood and black currant for this remarkable Mavrodafni from the refined Panos Sarris. Lavish, soft, and sweet, though not at all cloying. (8.5/10)

Sarris, Megali Petra 2023: An impressively rich expression of raw meat blood and black currant for this remarkable Mavrodafni from the refined Panos Sarris. Lavish, soft, and sweet, though not at all cloying. (8.5/10)

Skiouros, Red Elephant 2023: This Merlot from Serres is soft and juicy, though a bit watery, yet it redeems itself with a beautiful, velvety finish—resulting from 5 months of barrel aging. (7.5/10)

Terra Petra, Rapsani 2020: Apostolos Thymiopoulos` venture in the historic PDO materializes as an explosive Rapsani brimming with flowers and tomato, fruity sweetness, and refined tannins on the finish. (8/10)

Sweet Wines

Anatolikos, Pollios Wine NV: A tribute to the wine the Thracians exported to Syracuse, this excellent sweet wine is... very sweet yet balanced! At the same time, a touch of volatility "lifts" the bouquet of apricot and fig. (9/10)

Hatzigiannou, Anavasis Samos 2021: Priced at €30 for 375ml, this un-oaked sweet wine is not inexpensive, but this Sun-Dried Moschato offers a rich aroma and intense flavor of apricot and peach. Best enjoyed from `28. (8/10)