KITRVS
Pieria
Many among us have nursed dreams to have their own wineries. Few of us have actually followed up on those dreams with some only making as far as importing it. George and Kostas Garypidis are mechanical engineers who decided to start a winery from scratch. Alexandros Garypidis finished law school and is a Notary. To make it at a time when Greece is going through an economic turmoil takes balls. To make Syrah in a region where Xinomavro is leading grape takes some gumption. To make fine wine when you have no background in winemaking, takes guts. Balls. Gumption. Guts. They got it all here. They also have Aglianico and Malagouzia. I suspect Verdiccio will be here some day. Ask me why they call their Aglianico- Lost Lost Hellenico!
Their winery is on the foothills of Mount Olympus and the site was chosen after very careful consideration of soil, climate, altitude and history. George Garipidis , Kostas and Alex know what they like. They like Aglianico and Malagouzia and yes they like Syrah. They like Syrah a lot. And I like their Syrah a lot too! There is a drive to improve upon what they are building. All grapes are destemmed and sorted twice before they are crushed. Cement fermenters have made an appearance in the recent vintages. Bigger barrels may be in the works to achieve better balance with oak.
The night before the big tasting, we shared a meal with the Aglianico and the 2012 Syrah. We had it with roasted lamb and kokoretsi! It was superb. But, in the middle of the al fresco dinner, a thunderstorm pelted us with rain. We soldiered on with rain seeping from the thatched covers. Eventally we took the proceedings indoor, all the while guarding our food and wines from the rain. I guess if you were asked the question of which wine pairs well with a thunderstorm, the answer: KITRVS Syrah.
Syrah
2013
Malagouzia
2016
Lost Lost Hellanico
