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Case only
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $105.78
Case only
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $36.95
Case only
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $600.62
The 2017 Le Bourg exemplifies the site's characteristic power and structure. This is not a wine that you should buy...
VM
97
DC
94
Case only
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $187.95
A sense of minerality with gunflint on the nose, almost a tertiary character, giving the impression of a cooler...
DC
91
Case only
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $263.95
Set for release in November 2022, the 2017 Les Poyeux is a delightful wine. While waiting for the winemaker, I was...
VM
95
DC
92
Case only
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
1.5Ltr - Case of 6
Bottle: $94.95
If there's a Cabernet Franc vineyard you need to know in the Saumur Champigny - or the Loire or the world for that...
VM
95
Case only
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $73.08
The 2017 Saumur Brézé Les Arboises, from the south-facing monopole that was planted on sand and silt topsoil over...
WA
92
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Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $49.16
This shows great tension between the firm but ripe tannins and the intensely flavored palate, which displays notes of...
WS
93
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Red
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $79.94
The 2017 Gran Enemigo Gualtallary Single Vineyard didn't show any heat or excess ripeness from a warm and dry year....
WA
98
JS
97
Case only
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
750ml - Case of 3
Bottle: $80.22
A supple, fluid red, this exhibits black currant, black cherry, iron, tobacco and toasty oak flavors. This firms up...
WA
94
WS
94
Case only
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
750ml - Case of 3
Bottle: $80.22
Case only
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
750ml - Case of 3
Bottle: $417.00
A gorgeous, young wine, the 2017 Bolgheri Superiore Matarocchio is rich and sumptuous, with generous dark fruit,...
VM
94
Case only
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $41.79
Robe: This wine offers the robe of a lively red with lovely violet highlights. Nose: The wine presents itself...
Case only
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $39.17
Robe: Beautiful and very intense ruby color. Nose: The nose releases lovely nuances of mint, red berry liqueur, and...
Case only
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $52.57
Robe: This wine presents a lively red robe. Nose: The nose is floral with hints of peony. Body: In the mouth, the...
Case only
Long-term Pre-Arrival
Red
750ml - Case of 6
Bottle: $116.48

Assyrtiko Cabernet Franc 2017 Pre-Arrival

Cultivated since at least the middle of the Byzantine era, the Assyrtiko grape is generally considered to be one the finest of the Greek grape varietals, as a result of its multi-purpose properties and ability to flourish on a wide range of terrains. The ancient Byzantines used it in conjunction with Aidani and Athiri grapes for the production of their unusual and naturally sweet Vinsanto wines, which are still produced today in Santorini, and continue to be popular. However, the Assyrtiko grapes are used for many different AOC wines across Greece, and are favored by wine makers who want to maintain a dryness and acidic punch to their produce.

The Assyrtiko grapes are renowned for their ability to maintain their acidity as they ripen beneath the blazing Mediterranean sun, resulting in wines which have a distinctive dryness and a range of citrus fruit aromas, as well as great structure and high tannins. Often, Assyrtiko grapes will produce wines which leave an unusual after-taste reminiscent of the mineral rich, volcanic soils they are grown in on the slopes of Santorini, making them a favorite for wine drinkers looking for something full of character and interesting attributes. The past twenty five years have seen Assyrtiko vines planted all over the Greek mainland, and even in Attica and Macedonia, where the softer terrain often produces more fruit forward wines with a milder, less astringent character. However, wherever this fine grape varietal is grown, it is rare the results will be anything less than excellent.

Additional Information on Greek Wines


Greek Wines
Ancient Greek Wines – A Brief History of Wine in Greece
The Myth of Dionysus, Greek God of Wine
What is Retsina?

Cabernet Franc is not simply an important grape varietal for the fact that it is one of the most widely grown strains of vine in the world, but also because it is a vital grape in the production of many of the finest wines the world has ever seen. For centuries in its native France, it has been a varietal synonymous with elegance and high quality, and has become a key fruit in the production of the Bordeaux and Bordeaux-style blended wines which have gone down in history thanks to their magnificent flavors, aromas and levels of aged complexity. However, Cabernet Franc is also a wine grape varietal for use in single variety, unblended wines, and has plenty to offer on its own. Most commonly, it is renowned for its wide bouquet, which often includes fascinating notes of tobacco, violets or bell pepper over a beautifully pale and decadent liquid.