International Women’s Day has just passed and to continue the celebration, this week’s wine comes to us from the land of Athena, the Amazons, and Wonder Woman. Costa Lazaridi’s Amethystos Red 2014, grown and made in Drama, Greece, is full of soft, delicious fruit and is the perfect way to toast the women in our lives.
Tasting Note: A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 10% Agiorgitiko, Amethystos Red is packed with red and black plum, cassis and blackberry with touches of black olive and oak spice. Smooth tannins and a long finish round out this great sip.
Enjoy With: This big red blend is perfect with soft cheeses like brie or camembert, as well as roasted and grilled meats like burgers, steaks or roasted lamb. Greek wine going with lamb? Who would have thought!
Style: A dry, full-bodied and fruity red.
Terroir / Region: In ancient times, Drama, Greece was part of a wider region called the Land of Idones. According to archaeological research, it was an important centre of worship of the wine god Dionysus and there is evidence of grapevines in the region dating back to the 4th millennium BC. The tradition of grape growing and winemaking continue here with new enthusiasm and modern technology, making the wines from Drama a terrific value.
Producer: Costas Lazaridi had joined his family’s marble business but he was bitten by the wine bug in 1979 and his life would never be the same. He has since established vineyards on the slopes of Mt. Falakro and built the first modern winery in Drama. Through these innovations, and in hiring Michel Rolland, one of the best consultant winemakers in the business, Costas has seen his dream of creating high calibre wines from his native Greece come true.
Availability: Amethystos Red 2014 is widely available in the Vintages section of your local LCBO and is also available for online ordering and home delivery.
Price: $24.95
LCBO#: 742831
Size: 750 mL
Alcohol Content: 14.5% alc./vol.
