ARMAKAS 2020 - AIVALIS WINERY

Armakas Aivalis Winery is perhaps the most daring and absolutely collectible Greek wine from Nemea. Suffice it to say that its creator, Christos Aivalis, when he made it, had the legendary Penfolds Grange of Australia in mind! Yes, we are talking very seriously and if you have tried it you know what we mean. If not yet, read below and you will understand.

Christos Aivalis had been looking for years to find the vineyard that would be dry, barren, full of armakas stones (the large stones on which the workers in the vineyard traditionally rested) and that would be completely clear of chemicals and fertilizers. And he found it, along with the name of the wine (Armakas). He decided to plant Syrah, Merlot, and Malbec there. The acreage yields are below 300 kg per acre and this guarantees the sublime concentration of Armakas. The grapes are harvested overripe and a small proportion of Agiorgitiko, from his top vineyards, is added to the blend. Long extraction and aging in French oak barrels for 40 months, compose a fine wine that is reminiscent of the Italian Amarone in structure and style!

Knowing from the first moment what he had created, Christos Aivalis did not hesitate to invite well-known sommeliers and wine critics to try it blindly. The tasting involved 2 giants of the world vineyard (Solaia Antinori and Brunello di Montalcino Rennina Gaja) to compete blindly. It was a tie.

For Armakas Aivalis Winery, words are not enough to describe its greatness.

It has deep ruby color and impressive nose that is gradually unfolding. Plum, tobacco, vanilla, pepper, black cherry, berry jam, cinnamon, cocoa, and cedar dominate, while notes of cassis, nutmeg, coffee, dried figs, and chocolate make gradually their appearance.

In the mouth, it is rich and exuberant. Body, tannins, alcohol, acidity, all at high levels. The fruits on the palate are riper and in dried form. At the same time, the intense spicy character of the barrel is mixed with sweet notes of caramel, licorice and chocolate.