Sommelier’s Corner is an all about Greek wines column. Sommelier, Nikos Politis recommends fine wine varieties by local wineries.
Every month through Sommelier’s Corner, Nikos Politis presents a handpicked wine from the Greek vineyard.
Rare Earths, Galari 2018, Strofilia Estate Winery
Red dry wine, PGI Peloponnese
Agiorgitiko, Petit Verdot, Tannat (single vineyard)
The largest PDO viticultural zone in Greece, NEMEA, have been loved for the well-known and versatile Agiorgitiko variety providing us with different types of wines mainly in single variety version.
Agiorgitiko is mostly met in a blend with Cabernet Sauvignon and rarely with Merlot or Syrah, until the emblematic Strofilia Estate Winery made the out of the box idea to plant in 2003 a vineyard of 20 acres next to the wooded slope of Ancient Nemea’s valley with an arch composition of the 3 specific varieties.
In fact, special emphasis was given to advanced viticultural practices in terms of method (LYRA system) but also planting density with the sole aim of high quality results.
The GALARI of the RARE EARTHS series results from the co-fermentation of Agiorgitiko with the 2 famous French varieties Petit Verdot and Tannat, ages for 8 months in second use French oak barrels of 225 Lt and and is bottled in 2.643 bottles unfiltered, which is the production of the 2018 harvest .
Purple color, dense and impenetrable.
On the nose red fruits with the predominant ripe black cherry accompanied by blueberry and vanilla.
Notes of sweet spices and aromatic herbs emphasize with their presence the multidimensional aromatic character.
Full bodied in the palate with an impressive balance between acidity and tannins.
The pleasant warmth of 14,5 alcoholic degrees along with the ripe tannins give substance to the spicy character ending in a refined and complex aftertaste that lasts.
Galari of Strofilia Estate Winery stands worthy in the Premium category promising further quality development over time.
It is harmoniously combined with rich dishes with red sauce and spices based on beef.
Enjoy it with braised beef in red wine sauce and polenta. It can also stand worthy next to juicy soutzoukakia, traditional moussaka, braised osso buco, octopus stew and veal bourguignon.
About the Author
Mr. Politis works in Efpan, a company importing Spanish wines- products and distribution network of Spanish and Greek wines.
Sommelier in Acropolis Chef’s Club of Attica.
He worked for a company exporting and distributing Greek wines in China.
He was employed in the exports department of Cantina Roeno, an Italian Winery based in Brentino Belluno, in Verona.
Studied in WSPC– Wine & Spirit Professional Center.
English (UK) 
Ελληνικά