Home of the gods atop Mount Olympus

Zafeirakis: Greek wines of the Gods

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Few mountains have had greater impact on the history of Western civilization than the mountain situated on the Aegean coast on the border between Thessaly and Macedonia, referred to as Mount Olympus. Mythically, the ancient Greek gods living atop Mount Olympus such as Zeus and Hera loomed large in religion and culture, architecture and literature, for generations. It is at the foothills of Mount Olympus that we find the Zafeirakis winery where the Zafeirakis family has been practicing viticulture for more than 100 years. The domaine is now in the hands of Christos Zafeirakis. Having an impressive resume including completing his oenology masters degree at the University of Milan and consecutive years of work in Tuscany, Piedmont, and Alto Adige, Christos returned to Tyrnavos and immediately started to set new standards by creating the first organic vineyard in the area in 2005. He extended the family’s holdings to 8 hectares and worked tirelessly to reintroduce the obscure native varietal Limniona which was nearly extinct due to phylloxera. The Domaine has been practicing organic since 2005, is now fully certified by Biohellas with the latest parcels aiming to be converted by the end of 2022. Biodynamic practices have also been applied since 2019.

Domaine Zafeirakis in Tyrnavos, Thessaly
PGI Tyrnavos circled in red

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our focus for this email offer are his wines from the vineyards with highly flinty and sandy soils that imbue the wines with great minerality and aromatic complexity. The white is made from the native Malagousia also found farther north in Macedonia. The Natura is from 30 year old vines aged in large used Austrian fudders.  A relatively new cuvee for the winery is their brilliant sparkling rose Prologue, a 50/50 extra brut blend of Assyrtiko and Limniona with 2 yrs lees ageing. Lastly, we are offering one of the best Greek roses I have ever tasted, his Limniona rose done in stainless steel.

Easter lamb spits on Mykonos
Get your Greek on!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In light of Greek/Orthodox Easter this Sunday, we will also be offering our Greek reds, one made from Mouhtaro and the other from Agiorgitiko, perfect for pairing with roast lamb from the spit (as still celebrated outdoors at some NYC Greek restaurants such as The Greek in Tribeca, Yefsi on the Upper East Side and Agnanti in Astoria). If you've never been to one of these celebrations and are in town, I highly recommend going and getting your Greek on! I am also including a returning favorite from Crete that I just had the opportunity to retaste at the WINES OF CRETE TASTING yesterday: Douloufakis Dafnios made from Crete's main white grape Vidiano. This particular iteration showcases the potential Chablisian minerality Vidiano is capable of .    

ALL WINES WILL BE AVAILABLE IN STORE THURSDAY APRIL 13TH

YAMAS!  Giselle Hamburg

No Longer Available

Zafeirakis 2020 Tyrnavos (Thessalia) Malagousia Natura

Hailing from Thessaly in the foothills of Mount Olympus. Natura is a super elegant rendition of Malagousia from vineyards with old vines and extremely flinty, sandy soils at altitudes of 800 to 1000 feet. Fermented and aged for 12 months in large Austrian oak fudders, the Natura showcases Malagousia's inherent bright acidity with a flinty minerality whilst exuding notes of citrus and stone fruit with a rich body and persistent long finish. A stunning showstopper! Giselle Hamburg

  • Out of Stock
  • white
  • 0 in stock
  • $25.99

  • Organic
  • Biodynamic
  • Low Sulfur

Zafeirakis NV Tyrnavos (Thessalia) Prolgue Extra Brut

A newer release from Christos Zafeirakis, Prologue is  a sparkling rosé made with the traditional method and is a 50/50 blend of Limniona and Assyrtiko. Clocking in as an Extra Brut with 4 grams dosage after spending almost 2.5 years on the lees.  Showing a pale salmon robe, Prologue is super zesty and bright with notes of citrus, wild strawberries and yeasty brioche underscored by a cool minerality and  long finsh with a lively mousse. An ethereal yet laser focused sparkler capable of giving your well known rose champagnes a serious run for the money! Giselle Hamburg

  • Out of Stock
  • rosé sparkling
  • 0 in stock
  • no discount
  • $24.99

Zafeirakis 2022 Tyrnavos (Thessalia) Limniona

Hailing from younger vines at high altitude on flinty,sandy soils, the 100% Limniona rose is a sheer delight. Showcasing exuberant notes of melon, wild strawberries, blood orange and undertones of garrigue, undersored by cool minerality and crisp acidity; a dead ringer for Cru Classe Provencal. Breathtaking! Giselle Hamburg

  • Out of Stock
  • rosé
  • 0 in stock
  • $18.99

  • Organic
  • Biodynamic
  • Low Sulfur

Muses Estate Mouhtaro 2020 Thebes Valley of the Muses

Located a half hour northwest of Athens on the foothills of Mount Helikon, the almost extinct Mouhtaro grape was revived by the Muses Estate. Showing a beautiful nose full of earthy barnyard, plummy fruit and dusty minerality underscored by a hint of herbaceousness. The palate is redolent with cassis, cedar and earthy notes, with bright acid balanced by structured dusty tannins. If there ever was a dead ringer for Right Bank Bordeaux (think old school Pomerol), this is it! Break out the leg of lamb and beef stews. Just gorgeous and an incredible value! .Giselle Hamburg

  • Out of Stock
  • red
  • 0 in stock
  • $23.99

Sant'Or 2018 Achaia Agiorgitiko

Agiorgitiko is Greece's most planted grape and it's similarities to Merlot, France's most planted grape, doesn't end there. Showing a dark ruby in the glass, the nose is all plummy and earthy aromas with supple , velvety tannins. A wine for Bordeaux lovers and a perfect foil for lamb , duck and braised beef. Giselle Hamburg

  • Out of Stock
  • red
  • 0 in stock
  • $22.99

  • Organic
  • Low Sulfur

Domaine Douloufakis 2021 Crete (Greece) Dafnios Vidiano

Situated in the heart of wine-growing zone of Crete, Greece, in Dafnes of Heraklion, on hill slopes at an altitude of 350 - 450 meters. The terroir of the Dafnes region is characterized by limestone soil and  has a long viticulture history since the Venetian rule in Crete.  Dafne is the name of the winery's village as well as the Laurel tree the nymph Daphne was transformed into after rejecting  Apollo's advances (hence the laurel leaves on the label). Douloufakis is one of the oldest wineries on the island and certified organic.Their Vidiano explodes with aromas of white flowers, herbs, pears, citrus and wet rocks. The palate is medium bodied, citrusy, herbal with ripe pear and a slightly bitter, mineral, long finish. For lovers of Assyrtiko and Albarino. Serve with  pork roast with leeks or octopus with chickpeas and peppers. Giselle Hamburg

  • Out of Stock
  • white
  • 0 in stock
  • $18.99

  • Organic