The Association of Small Wineries elevates its presence each year, both in terms of membership and overall performance. This is evidenced by its highly successful annual tasting, which this year not only showcased the work of approximately 60 producers but also took place in the wonderfully atmospheric space of Technopolis in the Municipality of Athens.
Hailing from every corner of Greece, the wineries of the SMOE offered a fascinating mosaic of varieties, styles, and speeds that kept me engaged—even with a fever nearing 40 degrees Celsius!—until I managed to taste all the wines at the exhibition, except for those I had recently sampled at other events and occasions.
Below is a list of my personal selections, with the hope that my condition did not negatively affect their ratings or those of the wines that did not make it onto this list.
White Wines
Agrovision, Ammouliani White 2024: Fans of Moschato will find a remarkable representative in this cuvée from Halkidiki. It is notably rosy, enhancing its light and refreshing character with good acidity. (7.5/10)
Vourvoukelis, Assyrtiko 2023: Every time I taste this Akritiko Assyrtiko, my belief that it is among the best in mainland Greece solidifies. It is long, tannic, acidic, and simply... dazzling! Best enjoyed in 2-3 years. (8/10)
Zande, Malagouzia 2024: This proposal from Velvento, Kozani, ranks in the rose cluster of the popular variety. As such it is also relatively full-bodied, giving a sweet-and-sour balance. Best opened in a few months. (7.5/10)
Koukos, Oak Aged 2022: The producer from Patras has caught my attention several times with wines like this vanilla-tinged Assyrtiko. Expressive and rich, it supports the intense oak with ripe fruits, butter, and cashews. (8/10)
Moropoulos, Mantinia 2023: The Moropoulos family is at the forefront of Mantinia, proving it with every opportunity. Here, they present a strict, dry PDO white that requires 2-3 years of aging. (8/10)
Oinops, Rawditis 2022: Fermentation for 4 weeks in amphora results in a tremendously strong and long wine. A top-notch orange from a winery that has also demonstrated its "conventional" credentials. (8.5/10)
Papargyriou, Cuvee Helene 2024: Sourced from a plot at 700 meters, this intriguing wine outside of Ionian Goustolidi features sweet fruit, a lovely transition from sweetness to acidity, and good length from its only 5-year-old vines. (7.5/10)
Passas, Mavra Nera White 2023: The winery from Xanthi effectively blends Assyrtiko, Vidiano, and Sauvignon Blanc in perfectly balanced proportions. Thus, free of varietal showoffs, this white is fresh and harmonious. (7.5/10)
Sarris, Robola 2024: Panos Sarris has maintained the incredible strength and concentration of his wines while refining their wildness. His basic Robola supports its volume with excellent acidity. Best enjoyed in 2-3 years. (8/10)
Sarris, Panochori 2024: 11 acres planted with 75-year-old vines bear fruit for this high class and powerful Robola. Smoky notes enhance the sweet character of lemon, pasta, and citrus. (8.5/10)
Rosé Wines
Agrovision, 20 Rosé 2024: Agrovision`s rosé comes from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Limnio. Its lightness, vivacity, and gooseberry character may remind one of a "dyed" Sauvignon Blanc! (8/10)
Adam, La Vita Con Mare 2023: Unrestrained in acidity and tannins, this unique blend of Malagousia and Refosco from Thessaloniki offers aromas of watermelon and underripe peach that ensure the necessary freshness. (8/10)
Apostolidis, Rose Dry Cuvee 2022: The exceptional winery from Kavala excels in rosé, which contains a significant percentage of the rare Karapapa grape. It delivers amazing fruitiness and acidity without being aggressive. (8.5/10)
Giatsa, Filio Klima Rosé 2023: A light, dry rosé from Tyrnavos and the local Moschato, it is "honoured" with the aroma of Turkish delight. Old vines contribute to its length, while the wild wine flirts with tannins. (8/10)
Koukos, Kalogria 2023: Composed of 4 parts Roditis and 1 part Merlot, this Patras rosé is modest in aromas of dried jasmine, but makes up for it with its sweet-and-sour length and absence of tannins. (7.5/10)
Manolesakis, Anastasia 2024: The semi-sweet cuvée from the winery in Drama offers explosive notes of melon and rose, while the 28g/l residual sugars center the character of Turkish delight on the palate. (7.5/10)
Maron, Cyclops Rosé 2023: Although it hasn`t even been two years since the winery from Thrace was established, it is performing remarkably well. Their 100% Limnio rosé has aromas of stone fruit, while on the palate it is soft, leaving a velvety finish. (7.5/10)
Moropoulos, Rosé 2023: All the virtues provided by the white Moschofilero from this exceptional producer in Arcadia—finesse, nerve, and length—are present in their rosé as well. The only thing that changes is the color! Vintage `26. (8/10)
Petrekopoulos, Roz 2023: A top example of rosé winemaking from Mavrodaphne, this limited-production rosé presents a medium body, remarkable length, abundant acidity, and a wet wool character of red fruits. (8/10)
Passas, Mavroudi Rosé 2024: The Thracian variety does not hold back on structure and body, which is evident in this rosé. However, it is not at all tannic, offering red fruits and watermelon in the glass. (7.5/10)
*The photo is from wineeventsgreece.com