Malvasia Aromatica Ktima Anastasiou
Nemea, the appellation, is overwhelmingly planted with one of the more seductive indigenous red grapes, the Aghiorghitiko. Some white grapes are also to be found. Savatiano, Roditis, more recently Assyrtiko and the usual and in my opinion, so far, less successful (cosmopolitan)suspects.
The 15 stremata (1,5 hectares) of this producers Malvasia Aromatica is a new departure. Few grapes can muster, such a broad aromatic spectrum and actually taste of fresh grapes. Over the past 15 years, a tiny acreage of M.A. has emerged in various cooler (Velvendo) and warmer sites such as Nemea. This new to me varietal is to be found in Arhea Nemea is what Nemeans refer to as Heraklio.
Specifically, the full name of this estates cultivar is the Malvasia di Candia Aromatica. It is a distinctly different type of the many to be found in Italy under the umbrella term of Malvasia. It is also reputed to have the most personality which jibes with the Anastasiou’s effort. It is an inspiring choice. A stand out from the plethora of labels on offer by the other 29 Nemea based wineries.
The winery was founded in 1954. In a period, when Greece had to heal the social and financial ravages of WWII and it’s bitter civil war(1944-1947). Kyriakos Anastasiou now runs this artisan family owned and managed address. It is easy to locate, on the main road, which runs from Arhea Nemea to the larger in size, nearby, Nemea valley. They do brisk cellar door sales and increasingly sell to wine merchants.
Pink hued & slightly spritzy. Floral. Rose-petal, acacia and mandarin. Almost muscat flavours with peachiness riding on rich mouth filling grapey fleshiness. Dry finish. More than just a novelty value. Begs for chilli-lemongrass Thai dishes. Cellar door price? A most reasonable Euro 5 per bottle.
Score: 16/20
Ktima Anastasiou , Arhea Nemea Korinthias
Tel: + (30)27460 23123
Contact e-mail : anastasiou_wines@yahoo.gr
9.04.2009
