To drink this week: Assyrtiko and Limniona

This week's choices are a singular Assyrtiko from Patmos island and a Limniona from Central Greece near the region of Meteora. Τhe latter area is associated with one of the largest and most precipitously built complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries in Greece, second in importance only to Mount Athos.

While I would argue that Assyrtiko needs none or very little introduction, an interesting discussion can be initiated for red Limniona. I personally find it as one of the most intriguing and upcoming Greek varieties producing wines with intense aromas that can be herbal and floral with a solid core of red fruit such as cherry and strawberry. It is a late ripening variety, harvested typically at the end of September which means that it can prove to be challenging for full maturity in a classic rainy September. Unfortunately we are at the beginning of the Limniona journey since just a handful of single varietal examples exist at the moment.