Saturday 11 February 2012

INTRODUCING THE WINES OF GREECE - NEMEA / AGIORGITIKO



Nemea-Agiorgitiko is colored in myth. There is an ancient legend that the rich, dark, soft and mysterious Nemea-Agiorgitiko wines from the region of Nemea, in the Peloponnese, Greece, taste that way because the very vines on which the Agiorgitiko grapes grow, were stained by the blood of the lion that Hercules slew, in a time long past. Truth or not, this is the stuff that mythology is made of, and this place, and the wines from this place, Nemea-Agiorgitiko, are as ancient as any in the world, perhaps, more so, and yes... this is indeed the land of Hercules.

The incredibly beautiful and captivating region of Nemea is actually the namesake of its main grape, Agiorgitiko, which, literally, means the grape of St. George (Agios Georgios) and originates from the city of Nemea, formerly called Agios Georgios – St. George.

Among the oldest of Greece’s hundreds of indigenous grapes, the Nemea- Agiorgitiko variety loves its home, and thrives in it. It is the only grape allowed to use the Nemea Appellation (PDO Nemea) and it takes on many incarnations within this variable landscape in the hands of gifted winemakers. In Nemea, we can find 100 year-old vines and older. Some are planted on native rootstocks and there are new plantings expressing the most modern techniques of viticulture. The variety of soils and the diversity of the terroir help to create many different styles of wine from the Nemea-Agiorgitiko grape.



Nemea-Agiorgitiko, food-friendly wines


Red, oak-aged Nemea-Agiorgitiko, food-friendly wines are amazing. The diversity of their wine styles only confirms this fact. Naturally, red, full-bodied, oak-aged Nemea-Agiorgitiko, food-friendly wines are simply fantastic with any type of grilled meats, from pork to lamb, but the opportunity to try sausages and poultry, as well must not be missed. Lighter, medium-bodied styles can be matched with a great range of foods, like casserole and stews, pasta dishes and cheeses. Thus, these red Nemea-Agiorgitiko, food-friendly wines are the perfect choice for many occasions.

Nemea-Agiorgitiko, food-friendly wines are not only ideal for the Greek table, but are a fine complement to international cuisine. Greek gastronomy is, certainly, the very definition of the Mediterranean diet, with the bounty of olive oil, olives, mastic, honey, saffron, cheeses, lamb, octopus and so much more. While Greek cuisine is exploding in popularity worldwide as a result, and Nemea-Agiorgitiko wines are definitely amazing with this food, do not be trapped into thinking that Greek wines are only for Greek food. On the contrary, Nemea-Agiorgitiko, food-friendly wines are well balanced between their flavors, and, as a result, are compatible with all types of cuisines and all sorts of dishes, from all areas of our shrinking global village of modern gastronomy.

Enjoy Nemea-Agiorgitiko, food-friendly wines in Greece or at home. The wines are delicious, the region is breathtakingly beautiful and the people are passionate and hospitable. You want to visit! You want to drink Nemea-Agiorgitiko and, at the same time, to drink UP, totally experience, the legendary land of Nemea.

However, although everyone should visit Nemea, dont feel as though you have to come to Greece to enjoy Nemea-Agiorgitiko, food-friendly wines. Call up some old friends, grill some steaks or lamb chops, open a bottle of Nemea-Agiorgitiko Reserve or Grande Reserve and feel the warmth of these multipurpose wines. Experience the passion and drink the nectar of Hercules. Open a bottle of a lighter style red Nemea-Agiorgitiko with some cheese and enjoy an afternoon with friends or, even, a glass at the bar, after work with your business colleagues. Nemea-Agiorgitiko is always good and within the category. These are sensational wines, near and far, in Greece and abroad, which complement all cuisines and all occasions.

The very beginning of a culture of food and wine on the table began nearly 4.000 years ago in Greece. Red Nemea-Agiorgitiko, food-friendly wines capture the essence of this ancient tradition and they are perfect on the table, around the globe.



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