Boutari Grande Reserve Naoussa 2004

Boutari
Grande Reserve Naoussa 2004
Naoussa, Macedonia, Greece
www.boutari.gr

$22 – 25 +140111 available at BC Liquor Stores or select private retailers

When you think of Greek wines, what comes to mind?  After the piney Retsina, probably not too much. But there is an Aegean Sea’s worth of wine from the Grecian Islands. Greece is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world with evidence of wine production dating back to 6,500 years ago.

Boutari is one of Greece’s older wineries, and their Grande Reserve Naoussa is one of their first and best known wines. It was also the first red wine from Greece to introduce the designation of limited and controlled production. Greece’s ‘Grande Reserve’ designation may only be granted to wines that are barrel aged for two years (minimum), and then also bottle aged for an additional two years (minimum).

This is 100% Xinomavro (“sour black”), a tannic and rustically gutsy grape oft likened to Nebbiolo, here sweetly softened by barrel. Fairly full bodied and structured, though worn gracefully with age. Mature notes of dried fig, cherry, cinnamon, cured meats and crushed rose petal. Lively finesse and a lingering finish in this Grecian beauty. Pair with herbed grilled pork or lamb meatballs.

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Boutari Grande Reserve Naoussa 2004

This is 100% Xinomavro (“sour black”), a tannic and rustically gutsy grape oft likened to Nebbiolo, here sweetly softened by barrel. Fairly full bodied and structured, though worn gracefully with age. Mature notes of dried fig, cherry, cinnamon, cured meats and crushed rose petal. Lively finesse and a lingering finish in this Grecian beauty. Pair with herbed grilled pork or lamb meatballs.