We organised this tasting recently and it proved very popular. The wines provided were
Chateau Musar Jeune White – Lebanon
Musar Jeune White is an unoaked blend of Viognier, Vermentino, Chardonnay from youthful Bekaa Valley vines. Crisp and aromatic, this eclectic blend of French and Italian varieties has its own distinct personality – passionfruit, apples, elderflowers – and a dry, refreshing finish. Made from the fruit of Viognier, Vermentino and Chardonnay vines planted since 2000 at around 1,000m above sea level in the Bekaa Valley. Musar Jeune White is fermented in cement-lined vats and released a year after the harvest. ABV 13%.
£13.95 from Seven Cellars in Brighton
Kyperounda Petritis 2019 – Cyprus
Region: Pitsilia.
Grape variety: 100% Xynesteri
Delicious aromas of citrus fruits, candied lime, lychee and a touch of spice and vanilla. A medium bodied yet refreshing wine with a long, persistent finish. A great partner to Linguine with lemon and black pepper, salt and pepper squid or delicately spiced Asian dishes. ABV 13.5%
£16 from Symposium in Lewes
The Society’s Exhibition Santorini Assyrtiko 2020 – Greece
A benchmark Santorini Assyrtiko offered to us at an incredible price from winery Artemis Karamolegos. From low-lying vines averaging 50-years-of-age this is pure, taut and concentrated assyrtiko with lime-zest and peach flavours alongside assyrtiko’s classic power and mineral, saline finish. ABV 13.5%
£14.95 from the Wine Society
Kompsos Liatiko Rosé, Karavitakis 2021 – Greece
Charming strawberry and pomegranate-flavoured rosé from superstar in the making, Nikos Karavitakis in Chania, Crete. Delicious summer drinking with enough weight and body to go with mezze, hopefully in the garden.
ABV 12.5%
£9.95 from the Wine Society
Öküzgözü-Boğazkere, Vinkara 2019 – Turkey
Juicy, full red wine from Vinkara winery in the heart of Turkey. A blend of two rare indigenous grapes which give dark cherry and chocolate flavours, with concentration and freshness. Vinkara – based in Kalecik, a town in the mountainous region north-east of Ankara. ABV 12.5%
£9.50 from the Wine Society
Har’el, Syrah, Clos de Gat, Judean Hills 2016 – Israel
Handpicked 100% Syrah aged for 16 months in oak (30% new French barrels). Eyal Rotem’s Clos du Gat winery is situated in the Ayalon Valley, about 30 miles due west of Jerusalem. The vineyards cover 19ha on limestone soils.
The wine has a deep dense purple colour. On the nose it is intense and complex, discreetly oaked with classical warm peppery and red fruit aromas. On the palate the wine is full bodied, well balanced, and spicily fresh with good acidity and well-integrated tannins. The finish is long, lively and elegant. ABV 14%
£27.95 + delivery from Frazier Wines
Massaya Le Colombier 2019 – Lebanon
A ripe-flavoured Lebanese wine made with a third each of Cinsault and Grenache with the rest Syrah and Tempranillo. Fragrantly spicy, rich and chunky. ABV 14.5%
£13.95 from the Wine Society
Samos Anthemis 2015 – Greece
Luscious, sweet Greek vin doux naturel muscat with beguiling honey and caramelised-orange aromas.
8 – Very sweet. ABV 15%
£9.95 for 50cl from the Wine Society
Accompanying Foods:
Pitta breads
Spinach felafels
Greek Feta cheese
Greek Manouri cheese
Stuffed vine leaves
Kalamata olives
Dried dates
Baklava
Almonds
Pistachio kernels
Turkish delight