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.
Athanasiou Fysis 2017 PDO Nemea- Organic Wine
Red dry without sulfite- 100% Agiorgitiko Variety
There are some wines whοse presence disturbs the waters in the world of wines, offering this «other dimension» that wine lovers all over the world are intensely looking for.
In fact, when the effort is sealed with a Gold medal in the well-known competition for natural and organic wines CONCOURS AMPHORE in Paris with «rivals» wines from famous Chateau in France and wineries from around the world, then the young Greek producer Michalis Athanasiou has every reason to be proud of his creation, FYSIS.
The Athanasiou family has been engaged in viticulture in Nemea since 1855(based on the archives of National Bank). Michalis Athanasiou since 2007 applies the norms and practices of organic farming and vinification in 3 out of 6 labels he produces, while the specific wine was born after a multi-annual research and experimentation.
FYSIS therefore comes from a vineyard over 55 years old at an altitude of 340 m while the alcoholic fermentation is carried out with the indigenous yeasts without the addition of sulfite in special made clay amphorae.
After fermentation remains with its fine wine lees for 6 months while then ages in French oak barrels for another 4 months. It is bottled unfiltered in 1350 numbered bottles (harvest 2017) and remains in the cellar for 12 months before release.
Deep garnet color dense and impenetrable.
Necessary transfusion in a decanter for at least 45 minutes.
Multidimensional on the nose with the ripe plum dominating framed by carob, ink, mint, eucalyptus, raisin and hints of smoke on a background of earthy tones.
Dry on the mouth with full body, intense acidity and well-worked tannins. Spicy, chocolate and botanical elements are constantly alternating coexisting harmoniously with alcohol’s warmth(14% vol).
Impressive long aftertaste that changes as time goes on by ending in a bitterness similar kind of the Amarone wines.
This is a wine that is addressed to the palates who are looking for the step up in their relationship with Nemea and are waiting to find in their glass the virtues that express the variety’s formality along with a strong personality.
Enjoy it with specialities from the international cuisine such as rooster cooked in red wine(Coq au Vin), beef bourguignon or a premium grilled steak while it will unfold its graces with traditional Greek gastronomy such as aubergines baked with tomato sauce and herbs(imam bayildi), spentzofai(sausages cooked with tomato and peppers), goat with orzo pasta in the oven, braised beef with plums or grilled sausages.
The last sip along with bitter chocolate will finish up wonderfully the dinner.
Give it time to breathe and enjoy it even without food in moments of relaxation and reflection.
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