Σοφοσ Greek Organic Wine

Σοφοσ Greek Organic Wine is a new product line from established Greek producer Κτήμα Γκιούλη (Domaine Gioulis). The word for wisdom is usually transliterated as sophos, but these wines are promoted under the name Sofos. I think I've covered all the different ways that someone could find this post through a Google search.

The wines are certified organic in Greece and the United States, and "vegan friendly"--made without any animal products but not formally certified. This was something that I encountered with a lot of the "sustainable" winemakers in Sonoma, who often produced wines that exceeded the USDA organic regulations but who chose not to go through the added expense of a certification.

Both of these feature half and half blends of native Greek grapes with traditional French varieties, something that has been going on in Italy for decades and seems to be spreading (I've even seen the practice in Spanish wines). While I'm certainly interested in tasting many different kinds of grapes and appreciate native terroir, at the end of the day if you're selling wine it doesn't hurt to have some recognizable names on the label.

2013 Sofos White
Korinthos Protected Geographical Indication, Peloponnese
50% Moschofilero, 50% Chardonnay
$12, 12% abv.

Nice and fruity with an overripe peach profile, hint of honey and lemon but dry. Tart acidity and a short clean finish. I poured it to go along with a spinach lasagna.

2010 Sofos Red
Korinthos Protected Geographical Indication, Peloponnese
50% Agiorgitiko, 50% Cabernet Sauvignon
$12, 12% abv.

Lots of berries and a lighter body than you'd initially expect. Cherries and blackberries dominate, with a few vegetal elements on the slightly tannic finish. Quite good with a roast pork sandwich.

Note: These wines were provided as samples for review.

NV Calliga Rubis

This Greek wine is inscribed with a quote from Homer: "The flame of wit is lit deep in a bottle." I'm not sure what the joke is with this completely asymmetrical bottle. It looks like it got left out in the sun too long. There's a couple of finger grooves in the back but I couldn't figure out any sort of ergonomic pouring advantage.

Ugliness aside the NV Calliga Rubis is from Cephalonia in the Ionian Sea. $10, 12.5% abv. It's made from unoaked Αγιωργίτικο (St. George) grapes and is part of the Kourtakis family of wines. "Calliga Rubis" translates as something like "beautiful red". Etymology tip for the day: any Greek word or name with a prefix of Calli- or Kalli- means beautiful, such as that great Scrabble word callipygian, from the Greek kαλλίπυγος meaning "having beautiful, well-proportioned buttocks". Sir Mixalot approves.

Turning attention away from the ladies, this wine has a dried currant aroma with a flavor of cranberries and honey. Light tannins and very light overall mouthfeel. Very restrained. I enjoyed this with a takeout gyro from a local vendor up in Cleveland.

2000 Skouras Saint George

On the second evening of festivities at Paul's house with Tom and Jenny, we cracked open a bottle of the 2000 Skouras Saint George, a Greek wine from the Peloponessos region. The wine is made from the Saint George grape, known as Αγιωργιτικω in Greece. I have zero experience with Greek wines, aside from hearing rumors of the heavily pine scented retsina reds. And for some reason, I find it hard to think of Greek wine in a modern setting, and imagine togas and Dionysus and lots of half-naked maidens carrying amphorae sloshing over with potent wine... Ahem.

However, this is a light and mild red wine, possibly having benefited from careful aging over time. I get hints of chocolate on top, with milder fruit flavors below. Low tannins--quite light, but with enough acidity to keep things interesting. Fun to try out if you can find a bottle of it. Thanks, Tom!