Translation missing: en.ACellars Newsletter 30th June, 2022 - Greek Wine Tasting Saturday + Gentle Folk Single Vineyard Release + This Week's Staff Pick!: ACellars Newsletter 30th June, 2022 - Greek Wine Tasting Saturday + Gentle Folk Single Vineyard Release + This Week's Staff Pick!
In-Store Tasting:
Domaine Zafeirakis
This Saturday, July 2nd
3pm - 6pm
Christos Zafeirakis remains one of Greece's leading vignerons, his style is understated and metier tied closely to the soils and health of his family's vineyards.
Ktima Zafeirakis was established in the early 2000's in Central Greece. A municipality Tyrnavos that lays at the foothills of
Mount Olympus to be more precise. It is a region more known for bulk wine and spirits than quality and finesse.
Having said that, Christos was inspired to pursue the latter and focussed his attention on two native varieties: Limniona; a grape which he has been credited with almost single handedly credited with reviving. Then Malagousia; an aromatic white variety bought back from the brink by the tireless work of Evangelos Gerovassiliou before him.
Christos farms organically and uses a lo-fi approach to winemaking believing wholeheartedly in spontaneous ferments and low use of sulphur. In 2012 a brand new winery was built which led to the introduction of amphora, large wood vessels.
The wines from this small domaine have either defined or
redefined these grape varieties with finesse and incredible clarity. Meaning they may not be the most bombastic renditions but they are some of the most thrilling.
Join Greek Wine Ambassador David this Saturday afternoon as he takes you through:
- Chardonnay Assyrtiko 2021
- Foothills Chardonnay 2019
- Microcosmos Malagousia 2020
- Natura Malagousia 2018
- Limniona Rose 2020
- Limniona 2018
- Terra Cotta Limniona 2018
- Limniona New Age 2018
--------------------------------------
Gentle Folk
Single Vineyard Release
Former marine scientists Gareth and Rainbo Belton each spent their respective PhD's submerged in the field of phycology, the study of algae. Delving into the great depths of seaweed biodiversity, their higher degrees would eventually bring the pair to higher ground: a sea, well, vine change for the Basket Range in the Adelaide Hills. An obsession with wine and winemaking, and some further education through vintage as well as many a friendly beer and exchange of ideas with Basket Range legends such as James Erskine of Jauma and Alex Schulkin of The Other Right would, in 2013, see Gareth and Rainbo trade in their SCUBA tanks for fermentation tanks.
Their commitment to intensive study is evidenced each year in the release of the Single Vineyard Series. The Belton's farm 5 sites themselves, as well as sourcing fruit from a number of great vineyards throughout the hills. The sustainable viticulture, non-interventionist winemaking and thoughtful approach, result in some seriously delicious wines. And while Gentle Folk release several cuvées throughout the year, the Single Vineyard Wines are always highly anticipated.
Always balanced, structured and complete, the 2021 Single Vineyard releases are no exception to this theme. As Gareth notes, the different microclimates of each area allow for very different wines. And of course, this year's release includes the Father's Milk Pinot Noir, the ongoing collaboration with Ochota Barrels that stemmed from both Gareth and the late Taras welcoming their beautiful children into the world. Gareth and Taras used to discuss making great wine from the well-sought Monomeith site of Ashton, so the Father's Milk 2021 sourced from this great site pays tribute to Taras' winemaking style, with Gareth teaming up with Taras' father Yari in its production.
--------------------------------------
Staff Pick:
J Laurens Le Moulin
Blanquette de Limoux Brut NV
Do you have Méthode Traditionelle taste on a Méthode Charmat budget? No problem, we've got you sorted!
A surprisingly good sparkling wine from the little known region of Limoux in the Languedoc-Roussillon region in southern France, the birthplace of sparkling wine. A blend of the local Mauzac grape with Chardonnay, this traditional method sparkling wine rivals entry-level Champagne without the sweetness or the price tag. Fine bead, round and creamy texture yet fresh crunchy fruit profile. A very well rounded sparkling wine that I'd be happy to drink any day of the week. - Chris L
--------------------------------------