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Photo courtesy by racinessny.com
Yesterday, Downtown had the pleasure of attending the Santorini Wine Tasting at Racines NY on 94 Chamber St. The event was not only a perfect way to start off the afternoon, but it was tasteful.
As the waiters passed around delectable Hors D’oeuvres, bread, and cheese for patrons to cleanse their palates, the vintners took them on a journey with their lavish history behind the wines as well as the extensive process into creating each perfect taste. Downtown had the chance to become true wine enthusiasts for the afternoon, tasting sample after sample. We were both able to sniff out and untangle the subtle threads that weave the complex wine aromas that everyone adores. Here are the top five wines from yesterday, according to Downtown.
The featured vineyards included Estate Argyos, Boutari, Gaia-Wines, Gavalas Winery, Hatzidakis Winery, Artemis Karamolegos, Koutsoyannopoulos Santorini, Canava Toussos, Santo Wines, and Domaine Sigalas. Each vineyard featured an extensive variety of white wines and dessert wines however there were a few reds in the mix as well.
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#1 Santo Wines Sparkling 2014, White sparkling, Grape: Assyrtiko
{Union of Santorini Cooperative has been an integral part of Santorini’s historic winemaking tradition since 1947 and continues to flourish with the support of its 2500 members. SantoWines successfully combines the latest in modern wine making techniques with a strong commitment to the sustainable development of the Santorini vineyard as well as to maintain the longstanding viticulture and winemaking traditions of Santorini that have been passed down through generations of its dedicated members.}
- In fact, this was the first wine that Downtown tasted during the event and we must say that it was the perfect way to kick it off. It had a wonderful flavor with a sweet undertone with just enough fizz.
#2 Domaine Sigalas Mavotragano 2010, PGI Cyclades, Dry red, Grape: Mavrotagano
{Raised on Santorini, Paris Sigalas, first began making wine inside the traditional cave or “canava” located at the family home where he was born. Paris now runs a modern winery located in the same village of Baxedes, where visitors can come to taste his special wines and enjoy the famous Santorini sunset. A mathematician by trade, Sigalas has given all of his time and effort to realizing the extraordinary potential that the Assyrtiko of Santorini has to offer.}
- This selection was one of the red wines that we tasted. It was a great quality red wine. Great for pairing with poultry, a smooth and clean flavor as well. It was a very light red wine as opposed to most red wines.
#3 Koutsoyannopoulos Santorini 2014 PDO Santorini, Dry white, Grape: Assyrtiko
{Koutsoyannopoulos Winery, a Volcan Wines was founded in 1880 by Grigoris and Dimitris Koutsoyannopoulos. It has become known for its leading role in support of the ancient winemaking and cultural traditions of this unique volcanic island. The winery is now being lead by George, the 4th generation of Koutsoyannopoulos winemakers, who has continued the family’s commitment to developing the huge potential of the island’s unique indigenous varieties.}
- A very light and smooth tasting dry white grape wine.
#4 Santo Wines Vinsanto 2007, PDO Santorini Sweet white, Grapes: Assyriko, Athiri, Aidani
{Union of Santorini Cooperative has been an integral part of Santorini’s historic winemaking tradition since 1947 and continues to flourish with the support of its 2500 members. SantoWines successfully combines the latest in modern wine making techniques with a strong commitment to the sustainable development of the Santorini vineyard as well as to maintain the longstanding viticulture and winemaking traditions of Santorini that have been passed down through generations of its dedicated members.}
- This selection has a very strong aroma, grapes lay in the sun for 1 week during the making process of the wine. It had a sweet taste, change half of the natural sweetener for alcohol. A very potent and very real grape after taste.
#5 Boutari Kallisti Reserve 2013, PDO Santorini, Dry white, Grapes: Assyrtiko
{One of the prized estates of the Boutari Group, the Santorini winery, located in Megalohori, opened in 1989 and has played a leading role in the commercial development of Santorini wines worldwide, as well as in the viticulture development of the island. Boutari has brought experience and innovative thinking to Santorini, playing a pivotal role in establishing the modern parameters for today’s August harvest and helping Assyrtiko achieve its full potential.}
- This selection is a bit sweeter than the previous dessert wines. During the making process of this wine the vintners leave it in the barrel for 8 months then in the bottle for 6 months, so it is a very aged wine.
by- Albany Reed and Haylie Born