2019 Karamolegos “Feredini” Santorini - Agean islands, greece
Assyrtiko
Winemaking details: Artemis Karamolegos’ grandfather built a winery and started growing vines in Santorini in the early 1950s. In 2004, Artemis officially took over the family property, upgraded the winemaking facility and equipment, and officially founded the winery. They have three hectares of vines (some over 100 years old) in some of the best growing areas of Santorini, which is known for its volcanic soils and unique way of training the vines in basket shape (kouloura) which protects the vines from the intense Mediterranean winds. They also have long term contracts with other growers across the island, which allows them to work with more varied microclimates, soils, altitudes, and varietals. These grapes are hand harvest and gently pressed to stainless steel tanks where they undergo fermentation by native and select neutral yeasts. After fermentation the wine is aged on lees for just one month before bottling.
Color: Pale yellow
Bouquet: Meyer lemon, sea air, honeydew, beeswax, passionfruit, subtle fennel.
Palate: Medium plus body with great depth and concentration of flavors, and a full and textured mouthfeel. The weight is balanced by lively acidity, loads of citrus, hints of chamomile and stone fruits, and a mineral core with a long and salty finish. Enjoy this wine with a classic Greek feta salad, grilled halloumi, fried fish, lemon garlic pasta, or ahinosalata (sea urchin dip).
While drinking great now, this wine could also age for 5-7 more years.
Further information can be found here: Artemis Karamolegos
2010 FATTORIA DI SAMMONTANA CHIANTI DOCG - TUSCANY, ITALY
90% Sangiovese 10%
Winemaking details: This property dates back to a 12th century church, and was bought in 1867 by a Polish man who lived in Tuscany and married a local woman. Their son Massimo is the one who championed the land to it’s current glory, and now it is the fourth generation of the family to steward this property. They have 13 hectares of vines and 3,000 olive trees planted on alluvial and gravelly soils that are farmed organically and biodynamically. The vines for this classic and fresh Chianti are 15-40 years old and are hand harvested. Once in the cellar, the grapes undergo a cool and long native yeast fermentation in concrete tanks. For extraction they utilize both punchdowns and pumpovers, depending on the vintage and the stage of fermentation. Once dry, the wine is pressed and racked to stainless steel where it rests before being bottled.
Color: Ruby
Bouquet: Black cherries, red currant, raspberries, balsamic, tobacco, light nutmeg, tomato leaf, leather.
Palate: A fresher and younger Chianti, this wine is bursting with red fruits and light spice and earth. It has present but velvety tannin, a medium body with a soft mouthfeel, and refreshing acidity. You really can’t go wrong drinking this with pizza or pasta, but for something a bit different try it with spicy carne asada tacos, mixed grilled veggies, endive with pecorino and olive oil, or Tuscan bean soup.
This wine is in a great place to enjoy now, and is meant to be consumed within 2 years.
Further information can be found here: Fattoria di Sammontana