According to the European Union laws on geographical indications and traditional specialties, Greek wines often carry the classifications of PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication). Nemea, among all the most established PDO regions for wine, is famous for its high-quality wines made from Agiorgitiko grape.
Located in the north of the Peloponnese, Nemea has a long tradition of history-engraved viticulture and is the home of the largest single vineyard in Greece. The Barafakas winery, in spite of being a young and boutique producer, has been deeply influenced by the history and culture of this region. Nemea is also the place, in Greek Mythology, where Hercules performed his first labour by killing the Nemea lion which had ravaged the area and threatened the locals. Knowing that, the lion in the winery’s logo absolutely has made the brand more identifiable in term of its origin.
To be classified as a Nemea PDO, a wine is required to be made from the Agiorgitiko grape exclusively. The name Agiorgitiko, in fact means ‘St. George’s grape’. This variety, among more than 200 Greek native varieties, is rarely grown or seen elsewhere outside Greece. Being extremely versatile, Agiorgitiko is used in the winemaking of a wide range of wines, from light rosé to full-bodied oaked red wines.
In glass the wine shows a clear, bright, vibrant purple colour with a purple rim, suggesting it’s a youthful wine, with a high viscosity. On the nose it is dominated by the aromas of cherry jam — really ripe red cherries — and liquorice. Besides the outstanding ripe cherry jam and liquorice flavours, there are also other notes of fresh red fruits, such as strawberry and a subtle hint of pomegranate, which help keep it fruity and refreshing. It then gradually releases hints of herbs and spices. The wine has no trace of oak barrel, thus making it a fruity and easy-drinking wine. On the palate the wine is dry, with high acidity, soft tannins and a medium long spicy finish. It has a medium alcohol level and body. If I had to compare it with another, more famous wine, I would say it is close to a riper and unoaked version of German Spätburgunder / Pinot Noir.
This red wine is ready to drink now. My suggestion is to enjoy it as soon as possible, since it is not a wine that is suitable for aging. With its unique characteristics, the Barafakas Idea red is an ideal table wine to pair with food, even on a summer day. This lovely red wine is best to be served at 16°C which is slightly lower than room temperature. Unquestionably pleasant on its own, the wine is equally delicious when paired with herb roasted chicken, chicken liver, roasted duck breast, or even quail. To be bold, you might want to try having this wine with pappardelle pasta with a porcini ragu. However, my advice is to avoid foods with too much umami taste such as soy sauce — this will clash with the wine on the palate by making it more bitter and astringent.
Click here to order the Barafakas Idea Red!
Source: https://www.facebook.com/pg/BarafakasWinery/about/?ref=page_internal wine-searcher.com; visitgreece.gr; WSET – Greece
by Celine
