4SEP06 Domaine Foivos “Myesis” MAVRODAPHNE, Slopes of Ainos, Kefalonia, Ionian Islands, Greece 2017 (O)
4 and 6 bottle levels $23 (member price $20)
80% Mavrodaphne, 10% Araklino,10% Theiako 12.0% ABV
Kefalonia is a large island guarding the entrance to the Gulf of Patras, off Greece’s west coast. I remember passing by Kefalonia on a ferry from Brindisi to Patras in my 20’s. Homer mentions the grapevines of Kefalonia in “The Oddyssey“. The sharp eyed among you may know Mavrodaphne as a sweet wine, but this Myesis (Initiation) is dry, and the smattering of Araklino and Theiako add complexity. Aged eight months in neutral oak barrels. Rich fruit forward attack, tangy blackberry, red cherry and balsamic on finish. As y’all know, I list each section of wines from lighter bodied to fuller bodied, but this red has more flavor than its modest ABV would suggest.
Food Pairing Suggestions:
Serve this Greek red with classic spanikopita, New Orleans style Muffuletta with olive salad, spiced lamb pie, grilled swordfish with Greek style potatoes, roasted lamb and lemon herb potatoes, chicken and chorizo Paella, lamb kebabs with mint pesto and four cheese risotto, duck confit and fontina topped flatbread, braised oxtails with a lemony green bean salad, grilled sausages with herbed polenta, and pan seared duck breast with huckleberry sauce over bacon sweet potato hash. Or simply savor this red with a variety of cheeses like St André, Double Glouchester, Mahon, Monterey Jack and Zamarano.