Boutari 2010 Moschofilero
$11.95 | Mantinia | 86 points Mantinia on the Peloponnese is the homeland of the aromatic moschofilero grape. With scents of lavender and apricot fruit and a soft, rich, almost oily texture, it’s similar to gewürztraminer, but with a black pepper spiciness and lemon on the finish. Try it with spicy seafood dishes. LCBO 172387
Boutari 2004 Grande Reserve
$16.95 | Naoussa | 88 points The xinomavro grape grown in northwestern Macedonia produces pale-coloured, savoury, tart and tannic reds similar to Italy’s nebbiolo (the Barolo grape). This is a maturing example with dried sour-cherry fruit and dusty, earthy notes from 24 months in the barrel. The length is excellent. Best with savoury red meats. Vintages LCBO 140111
Domaine Gerovassiliou 2009
$19.95 | Epanomi | 89 points Domaine Gerovassiliou, a champion of indigenous grapes, has regenerated the all-but-extinct malagousia variety, which is blended here with crisp assyrtiko. It pours yellow with intriguing scents of dried tropical fruit, apricot and anise. It’s mid-weight, soft and dry with a spicy, herbal finish. Similar to France’s viognier. Vintages LCBO 999714
Kir Yianni 2007 Diaporos
$50 | Imathia | 90 points This unorthodox and expensive collector’s red is a cutting-edge blend of 87 per cent native xinomavro and 13 per cent syrah. It’s modern and sinewy, with rich aromas of chocolate truffle, sour cherry–plum fruit and pencil lead. It has finesse but tannin grittiness as well. Plays in the big leagues. Cellar it for three years.
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Kourtaki Muscat
$14.95 | Samos | 92 points An unbelievably low-priced dessert wine, this sweet muscat hails from an eastern Aegean island known for growing muscat. It has very lifted, fine, fragrant aromas of dried apricot, mango, lychee, ginger and chai. It’s full-bodied, smooth and wonderfully balanced. Pairs sublimely with chocolate. Vintages 938407
Estate Papaioannou 2006 Agiorgitiko
$20 | Nemea | 89 points This maturing red with an old fashioned label will appeal to fans of traditional northern Italian reds. It’s medium-bodied, sinewy and savoury, with complex leather, sour red fruit, woodsy and herbal notes. It’s well-balanced, but not heavy, with the intensity to match red meats and pastas.
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Skouras 2010 Zoë Rosé $11.95 | Peloponnese | 87 points A bright, sunset-hued rosé that’s a blend of 70 per cent red agiorgitiko and 30 per cent white moschofilero, which lends lilac notes to the pomegranate-cherry fruit aroma. It’s medium-weight with a hint of sweetness that gives way to a bracing, slightly bitter minerality. Serve chilled. Vintages LCBO 225045
Sigalas 2010 Santorini
$24.95 | Santorini | 90 points This substantial and spicy white is made from the tart, dry yet floral assyrtiko grown on old vines on the windswept volcanic island of Santorini, a favourite stop on the Aegean cruise circuit. It’s peppery with guava and grapefruit flavours that are surprisingly powerful. A salty, stony tang on the finish. Made for calamari.
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Thalia 2009 Mediterra Red
$9.95 | Crete | 86 points This light, savoury red blends native kotsifali and syrah in equal parts. It doesn’t have dynamic or distinctive aromas (red plum, tobacco, spice), but it’s nicely balanced, with some fruity sweetness, moderate alcohol and a dry, spicy, slightly tarry, peppery finish that syrah fans will enjoy.
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