Two lions of Nemea

The ancient region of Nemea was the destination for our first full day of wine tasting. This is one of the most important red wine areas in the whole of Greece and the renowned Agiorgitiko grape is king. The first winery we visited was the Palivos estate. A family owned winery that took a major step in 1995 with a big investment in its winery, Palivos has quietly established a solid reputation with a fine range of wines. Thanos was our host and he gave us a great insight into the mythology around the Agiorgitiko grape, the lion slaying by Hercules in Nemea, and the subtle nuances of the Nemean terroir. After a brief foray into the barrel cellar we sat down for a comprehensive look at the wines.

Their Anemos white and red were great examples of the quality/value ratio that Greek wines so often represent. The Vie en Rose was utterly delicious – a really delicate rose wine. We contrasted two vineyards of contrasting elevation: Ktima Palivou and Ammos Terra Leone. Both wines were 100% Agiorgitiko and the Ammos was the higher vineyard. The comparison showed the increased concentration and structure resulting from the lighter soil and later ripening of the higher vineyard.

The Ploutos Cab Sauv/Syrah was delicious and we culminated in their rare, limited edition Nohma 2015. An excellent blend of Agiorgitiko, Cabernet and Syrah  with amazing ageing potential.

From Palivos, it was just a twenty minute drive to the utterly stunning Semeli estate – high up in the Koutsi area of Nemea. This is a superb, highly modern winery with an amazing outlook on the higher vineyard areas of Nemea. We were hosted by Margarita and Maria who took us on a highly informative tour and took us from the top to the bottom of the gravity fed winery.

The line-up of wines we tasted was terrific. A wild ferment, lees aged Moschofilero immediately showed the class of this grape, Aetheria (a blend of Chardonnay and Malagouzia) impressed with its richness and roundness and their Dealear Rose was delicate and refined. Their Spondee red blend of Syrah, Cab Sauv and Merlot was elegant and well balanced.

We rounded off the tasting with a comparison of their 2016 and 2003 Grande Reserve. Both 100% Agiorgitiko this allowed us to see not only the evolution of the grape but the opportunity to taste their first ever vintage! A rare privilege.

Lunch ensued. A top class meal comprising a fresh tomato salad, zucchini pie, baked mushrooms and some melting pork. Washed down with their main Moschofilero and Nemea red, this was a wonderful end to the tour’s first full day.