GREEK WINE GUIDE - WordPress.com · 2018-08-24 · GREEK WINE GUIDE 2018-2019 Contents Greek Chios Wines: ... The winery creates several Greek wines that incorporate the varieties

GREEK WINE GUIDE 2018-2019

ContentsGreek Chios Wines: Ariousios Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

PGI Wines of Greece . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Ariousios Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

The Grapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Greek Islands Dry White . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Ariousia Chora Dry White . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Ariousios Rosé Dry Rosé . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Ariousios Afstiros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Glikazon Semi-Sweet Red Wine, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Prastia Dry Red . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Prastia Sweet Red . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

1700 Market St #1005 | Philadelphia, PA 19103 | E: [email protected] | P: 908-309-7525 Warehouse: 3 Industrial Ct., Ste. 6 | Freehold, New Jersey 07728

2 Magical Spirits | www.magicalspiritsws.com | Phone: 908.309.7525 | Email: [email protected] | 8/2018

Nectar of the Gods

According to Chian folklore, Oenopion, son of the god Dionysus, taught Chians to plant, cultivate and produce the “black wine”, which was one of the most remarkable and famous products produced by Chios in antiquity . The ancient geographer Strabon defined the region of Ariousia—between the area of Pelinnaion Mountain and Cape Melena Akra—as the ancient wine making region .

Wine from the region of Ariousia was as well-known and as highly regarded as wine from Bordeaux . Known as Homer’s wine; ancient poets called it the “nectar of the Gods”, and it was a favorite wine of the Romans . The reputation of these wines continued through the Byzantine period .

This rich history spurred the owners of Ariousious Winery to o bring back the wine producing culture that once thrived on the island and cultivate a wine that would not only live up to its rich historical past, but be a fine wine for modern times .

Rebirth of the winery

Starting in 2001, Dimitris Kefalas and his team planted three different vineyards consisting of traditional Chian white varietals: Assyrtiko and Athiri and red varietals Chiotiko Krassero and Ayannitis which are used in the production of both dry and semi-sweet wines . All three vineyards are planted at an average of 1,200 feet eleva-tion on the slopes of the Amani mountain . .

The winery which is located about 59 kilometres from Chios in a gorgeous location overlooking the Aegean sea opened in 2008 . Dimitris opened the state-of-art winery and visitor center in 2009 . They are still the ONLY commercial winery on the island!

The wines produced are done in a way that respects the ancient rituals, yet adheres to modern-day wine making styles . The winery has been constructed to keep the ancient tradition of this wine making alive, with the ability to create and hold 150 tonnes of wine . In the future, the winery is hoping this will increase to 300 tonnes .

The Winery

The winery is made up of three levels that include an ageing cellar and an integrated and modern wine analysis laboratory .

The founders encourage visitors to tour the winery and learn more about traditional agricultural tools and objects . There is a tasting hall for visitors to sample the local wines, enjoy the views and environment while sipping a wine that dates back to ancient times . Visitors can view wine production sites, explore oak barrels in the cellars and purchase wines and items relating to wine and wine making .

The Wines

The winery creates several Greek wines that incorporate the varieties of grapes available in this region and, at times, create a blend to match every palate .

Greek Chios Wines: Ariousios Winery

When you think Chios, your mind automatically ventures to mastic, the resin taken from the mastic tree . Known in Greece as the “tears of Chios”, mastic is a product well-known to this region .

Today, the Ariousios winery in the northwest of Chios is doing its best to live up to the historical relevance of wine in Chios, helping wine make an astounding resurgence and gain a wide-spread comeback . .

3Magical Spirits | www.magicalspiritsws.com | Phone: 908.309.7525 | Email: [email protected] | 8/2018

Greek WinePGI Wines of GreecePGI Wines of Greece (Protected Geographical Indication,) are incorporated in the old sub-category “Local Wines” and include some of the “Wines of Traditional Appellation” . This inclusion helped to strengthen the concepts of authenticity and locality by way of the specified geographical boundaries of the various varieties and also through the right to include the year of harvest .

Ariousios wines are PGI District Wines—produced in the Protected Geographical Indication zone “Chios” . This Eastern Aegean district zone was established in 2010 . Alll vineyards must be planted at altitudes exced-ing 50 meters (about 165 feet) . The main winegrowing area is in the north-western part of the island on the slopes of Mount Amani .

Ariousios WineryAppropriately named, Ariousios is committed to bring back the wine producing culture that once thrived on the island .

Appellation: ChiosIsland in Eastern most part of the Aegean sea off the coast of Turkey .

Sub-appelltion: AriousiaThis region lies betwen the mountains of Pelinneon and Amani in the northwest part of the island . Known for several basic wine types: white dry wines; red dry wines; red semi-sweet wines and red sweet wines .

Varietals: AriousiaRed varietals: Chiotiko Krassero and Agiannitis. White varietals: Assyritiko and Athyri .

The GrapesAssyrtiko Originating in Santorini, this white grape is considered one of the most important varietals of the Mediterranean Basin . It is used for producing full-bodied, dry, white wines that often have high alcohol levels and perfectly balanced acidity . These are unconventional, intense white wines with body and density .

Athyri Is an ancient white grape from central and southern islands of the Aegean Sea . It is is cultivated in all the Aegean islands and in several vineyards in mainland Greece, Macedonia and Halkidiki to make dry white wines . It is used to make Retsina in Rhodes . This grape is a versatile and efficient variety for the arid and hot conditions of the Aegean with its great diversity of soils . It ripens early in the second half of August and yields light aromatic wines with moderate alcohol levels and features flavors of white and yellow stone fruits . The grape is noted for its lemon character and it is often blended with Assyrtiko .

Agianniotiko (Agiannitis) This is a rare red varietal found primarily in this region .Agianniotiko grapes are usually blended with Chiotiko Krassero to make dry or sweet red wines .

These medium cherry-red colored wines are medium- bodied with red fruit flavors . Most wines produced with this grape are used for young vibrant “drink now” wines . Its primary use is to soften the rich and tannic Chiotiko Krassero grape .

Chiotiko Krassero This is a grape that originated in the Agean Islands . This grape is believed to be the famous red grape of Ariousios —the wine that that Homer spoke of in antiquity . If these grapes are left out in the sun, they will produce dessert wines . Red wines produced with Chiotiko Krassero are usually full-bodied with an intense red color, rich in tannins with strawberry and cheery red fruit flavors . If aged in barrel for more than 12 months it creates rich international stlyle wines similar to a Syrah .


Greek Islands Dry WhiteVarietal: 100% Assyrtiko (“ah-SEER-tiko”)Assyrtiko is a rare, classy white grape, possibly some of the greatest varieties found in the Mediterranean basin . It originated from Santorini (Assyrtiko-Santorini) but it spread all over Greece, becoming, in terms of quality, one of the most important native varietals . Assyrtiko is one of these rare white grape varieties that can grow in hot and dry climatic conditions, while keeping the high alcohol in perfect balance with its crisp acidity . It is more of a textural variety, emphasizing extract, body and structure, rather than an aromatic grape .

This awesome Greek grape grows throughout of Greece where it’s known to deliver richer, plumper fruit flavors .

Assyrtiko is made for people looking for an unconventional, intense white, that leans towards texture and density . It offers sensations that are well away from the average, “commercially appealing” dry white .

Taste Profile: Lime, citrus zest, beeswax, grapefruit, high acidity .

Pairs with: Very food friendly, especially with grilled fish and seafood . Try it with tabouli salad, high quality feta and lemon-garlic shrimp . It also pairs with sunshine, freshly mowed lawns and relaxing on the front porch .

Perfect for: Picnics, barbecues, beaches and rooftop drinking .

Category: PGI Chios

Geographic Region: Aegean

Area: CHIOS

Type: White Dry Wine

Color: Shiny lemon yellow

Sweetness: Dry

Alcohol: 12 .5%

Aging Potential: All Assyrtiko wines, both barrel aged and stainless steel matured, can age confidently for five or even ten years .

Serve at: 18° C/ 64° F .


Ariousia Chora Dry WhiteVarietal: A blend of Athiri (ah-thee-ree) and Assyrtiko (ah-SEER-tiko)

Ariousia Chora is reminiscent of a southern white Burgundy . Noted for its lemon character, The Assyrtiko gives Ariousia Chora a fresh mouth-watering acidity .

Quite fruit forward on the nose with intense aromas of stone fruit, peach, green apples, lime and pear .

Although it offers a moderate intensity of flavors, of mostly white and yellow fruits, and delicious notes of nectarine, green apple and lime refreshingly linger on the palate .

Medium-bodied with a fresh, mouth-watering acidity, it offers a superbly racy, lean minerality and slightly oily texture towards finish . Because it offers moderate alcohol levels, smooth acidity that displays freshness and vivacit, this dry white wine is suitable for a large range of difficult to match dishes .

Perfect for: Enjoy Athiri as an aperitif, especially on warm summer days and beachside lunches .

Category: PGI Chios


Area: CHIOS

Type: White Dry Wine

Color: Shiny lemon yellow

Sweetness: Dry

Alcohol: 12 .5%

Aging Potential: Drink now to two or three years .

Serve at: 18° C/ 64° F .


Ariousios Rosé Dry RoséVarietal: 100% Agiannitis

If summer were a glass, it would definitely be in the form of rosé wine .

Ariosios Rosé is produced from the local Chian grape variety, Agiannitis .

Winemaking This wine is produced with the method of cold extraction .

Taste Profile: The wine has a bright strawberry pink color with terracotta hues . This medium-bodied wine offers impressive aromas of fresh red berries with a sense of minerality . Thes bright color is balanced by crystal clear acidity . The flavors of strawberry and cherry are backed by an herbal character . IEasy-to-drink with soft tannins and refreshing acidity . Long cherry scented finish .Pairs with: It is a fine accompaniment to Mediterranean food, fish, seafood, pasta, risotto, and desserts .

It is kept in a cool and shady place away from the sun .

Served at 10-12 ° C .

Category: PGI Chios


Area: CHIOS

Type: Rosé Dry Wine

Color: Pink Red

Sweetness: Dry

Alcohol: 12 .5%

Aging Potential: Drink now to 2 Years

Serve at: 10-12° C


Ariousios AfstirosVarietal: Blend of two local Chian varieties Chiotiko Krassero and Agianniotiko (Ayanitis) which have been cultivated in Chios since ancient times .

These indigenous varietals form the backbone of Afstirios, a charming fruity red wine . Agianniotiko is rare red Aegean variety, whose maturity normally coincides with the feast of St . John the Baptist . It is blended with Chiotiko Krasero to promote color, and add some spicy, peppery tones .

Vinification Method: Fermentation controlled tempera-ture process is used for the production of this red wine .

Aging: 18 months in a cellar with natural humidity and cold, so as to highlight the peculiarities of fragrance and color of the varieties, combined with the aromas of French oak barrels .

Taste Profile: A full-bodied red with great tannin structure, it offers flavors of rich, dark red fruits, spice and vanilla for a rich and balanced taste and a long, dry, smooth finish .

Pairs with: Meats with red sauces, pasta with spicy sauces and lobster or gourmet seafood .

Category: PGI Chios


Area: CHIOS

Type: Red Dry Wine

Color: Red

Sweetness: Dry

Alcohol: 13%



Glikazon Semi-Sweet Red Wine, Varietal: 100% Chiotiko Krassero

A semi-sweet red Glikazon was produced in a passito style with sun-dried Chiotiko Krassero grapes grown on the northwestern slopes of Amani Mountain with abundant sunshine and the breeze of the Aegean Sea, .

Winemaking Keeping the tradition of the famous Kourounioti wines, Glikazon is produced from sun-dried Chian grapes . The grapes are spread out in sunlight, so as to achieve a natural sweeteness .

Aging The maturation in oak barrels in the cellar of Ariousios, in natural wet and cold environment, enables this special sweet wine to be aged in the bottle for several years .

Taste Profile Deep purple color, with aromas of dried fig, plum, raisin, vanilla and spice . With its rich mouth feel, this semi-sweet red wine wine has excellent flavors of black licorice and raspberries, and a long finish . It has a wonderful balance of tannins, acidity and residual sugar . It is full of flavor and smooth finish .

What a delicious treat—it will have you wishing for more .

Category: PGI Chios


Area: CHIOS

Type: Red Semi-sweet Wine

Color: Red

Sweetness: Semi-sweet

Alcohol: 12 .5%


Serve at: 18°C/ 64° F .


Prastia Dry RedVarietal: Blend of Chiotiko Krassero and Agianniotiko (Ayanitis) .

Prastia is the culmination of years of labor on Chios, Greece . Chios is a small island located in the Aegean Sea, four miles off the coast of Turkey .The Greek historian Theopompus references Chian wine as the first red wine, which was then referred to as “black wine” . Praised throughout ancient Greece, Chian wine was also served at banquets and lavish feasts in ancient Rome . Taste Profile: Dry red wine offering floral and spice aromas, firm tannins and a nice minerality . Vibrant juicy red fruit (cherry, strawberry) with earthy undertones . .Pairs with: Roasted meats, pulled pork, barbecue and game with sauces and traditional picnic fare .

Category: PGI Chios


Area: CHIOS

Type: Red Dry Wine

Color: Red

Sweetness: Dry

Alcohol: 11 .5%



Prastia Sweet RedVarietal: Chiotiko Krassero

Prastia is the culmination of years of labor on Chios .

Chios is a small Greek island located in the Aegean Sea, four miles off the coast of Turkey . The Greek historian, Theopompus . references Chian wine as the first red wine, which was then referred to as black wine . Praised throughout ancient Greece and Rome, Chian wine was served at banquets and lavish feasts .

Taste Profile: Dark, aromatic and fragrant, this semi-sweet red wine offers floral and spice aromas . This is a wine with medium soft tannins . The sweetness is considered medium-sweet . Flavors are excellent; full of black licorice and ripe black raspberries .

Pairs with: Roasted meats, pulled pork, barbecue, game with sauces and traditional picnic fare .

Category: PGI Chios


Area: CHIOS

Type: Red Semi-sweet Wine

Color: Red

Sweetness: Semi-sweet

Alcohol: 13 .5%


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GREEK WINE GUIDE - WordPress.com · 2018-08-24 · GREEK WINE GUIDE 2018-2019 Contents Greek Chios Wines: ... The winery creates several Greek wines that incorporate the varieties