Gerovassilliou 2014 Avaton 750ml

John's take: "Limnio, Mavroudi & Mavrotragano. Unique, complex spic, needs food."

Winemaker's Notes:

A luscious blend of three Greek indigenous red varieties: Limnio, Mavroudi and Mavrotragano. Limnio, mentioned by comic dramatist Aristophanes as "Limnia ampelos" in the 5th century BC (vine from the Greek island Limnos), is the oldest attested Greek grape variety and predominates in this blend. Following extraction and completion of alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in special oak tanks from Burgundy, the wine matures in French oak barrels.

It has a brilliant, deep-red colour and a complex bouquet of ripe dark fruits (raspberries), raisins, coffee and cacao. On the palate, gentle tannins are supported by an abundance of fruit, creating power and balance. The aftertaste continues with a repetition of the spices. Excellent ageing potential. Served at 16–18 ºC.

Food pairing: Red meat stews in spicy sauces, game.