Nemea (Greece) Agiorgitiko 2003
Here’s a bargain basement priced red of good quality, which offers something a little bit different. Agiorgitiko, otherwise known as St-George, is one of Greece’s most important indigenous grapes, especially here in the Nemea region in the Pelopennese. No producer is stated on the label for this wine, though the respected firm of Boutari may well be responsible for this wine. There’s a lot going given its price; not just that it is not yet another big brand on promotion, but the grapes are hand-harvested, and it has spent 12 months maturing in French Limousin oak barrels. The nose is attractively spicy, with plenty of strong, forthright black fruit aromas, a little hint of sandalwood and a cherry-skin darkness. On the palate it has a rustic, roughening grip of tannin that makes it food friendly, and bags of peppery, spicy, no-nonsense blackberry fruit. Acidity is quite low, and the finish tails off a little, but at 3.99 who’s complaining? £3.99 Aldi
