Get to the Greek

• 7/15/2011 event article (overview)
• 8/15/2011 event aritcle (more info)
• 9/15/2011 event article (the wines!)

Join us October 13, 2011 for an unprecedented event. We have a new speaker, and wines not before offered in this country! Our speaker Chris Jelepis, a Greek American, is the importer and distributor of new wines from Greece. Although history tells us that Greeks have been making wines since approximately 1600B.C, modern wine making techniques create a completely different product today.

The wines we are presenting for you are from this historical land, but have been vinted by new winemakers from grapevines in all areas of this country: from the north, the south, the east, and west. New wine makers and growers (in the last 10 – 20 years) bring us wine with attention to terroir, technique, and tenacity.

You will not be disappointed with the knowledgeable, skillful presenter nor with the great tasting and affordable wines that you have never before experienced. We want you to share this historical event with us. Please register for this event held at the Hilton Harrisburg & Towers, Thursday, October 13, 2011 at 7 p.m.

Please join us at the Pennsylvania Wine Society on Thursday, October 13, 2011 for an unprecedented tasting. We are featuring Greek wines never before offered in the State of PA. We are meeting at the Hilton Harrisburg and Towers from 7 – 9 PM. Our host, Chris Jelepis, will be providing an outstanding presentation with his personal stories of Greece, the vintners he represents, and his experiences in finding these wines for you to taste. His company is Sonata Wines and he and his brother are here to please your palate.

Sonata Wine is a new importing company based out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They import wines exclusively from Greece. However, this is not your “typical” Greek wine importer. The company is trying to do something with Greek wine that is not being currently attempted in this country—bringing only wines from the younger generation of talented winemakers who are re-establishing Greece as a major wine producing country.

Greek wines are frequently negatively stigmatized; wine professionals will often snicker about the resinated Retsina or other fortified wines from Greece when the subject is brought up. But Greece has dramatically improved its winemaking over the past 25 years, modernizing a culture of winemaking that dates back to 6,000 BC. Regional winemaking traditions, along with an earnest investment in viniculture and viticulture, have led to a renaissance of quality wines coming out of Greece.

Sonata’s mission is to educate the American wine community about the incredible complexity of the Greek wine world, and why the wines produced there are a story that must be told. Sonata’s portfolio brings wines from all over Greece (Crete; Santorini; Komotini/Maronia; Naoussa; and Thiva), but the wines share strict criteria: superior quality, attractive pricing, and credible winemaking practices.

These hand-chosen wines are brought over with the American consumer in mind. The whites are explosively aromatic, diverse in the mid-palate, with a defining crisp and clean finish. The reds range from zippy and easy drinking to deep and complex.

Do not miss this one. I know we may say this frequently; in this case, it is the doggone truth. We have some surprise munchies for you that engender the Greek traditions; and with good wines, you will have a deliciously delightful night.

Please join us on Thursday, October 13, 2011 at the Hilton Harrisburg and Towers at 7:00pm for a tasting of Greek wines. Our speaker for the evening will be Chris Jelepis of Sonata Wines, who imports wines exclusively from Greece. Mr. Jelepis will lead us in a discussion of Greek geography, culture, and most of all winemaking. To accompany the Greek wines the Hilton will serve to us Feta cheese, Greek kalamata olives, meatballs and spanakopita. The following is the list of wines to be served with tasting notes:

1. 9 Muses white—an explosive combination of Assyrtiko, Trebbiano, and Sauvignon Blanc give this wine a bright blond color. Intensely floral-fruit bouquet, with a rounded, balanced body and a medium long finish.
2. Argatia white—Regional wine of Macedonia; 45% Malagouzia, 45% Assyrtiko, 10% Athiri: yellow fruit with herbs and spices, as well as mineral notes, full-bodied wine, well balanced with a long finish.
3. Thira Estate Santorini—100% Assyrtiko: bright yellow color, complex aromas of lemon, citrus, and exotic fruits with a crisp, refreshing acidity and a long aromatic finish.
4. rinos white—50% Malvasia DiCandia Aromatica and 50% Chardonnay: these two grape varieties combine their virtues and give us a very pleasant well-balanced wine. Complicated aroma with pineapple, banana, and lemon flower being evident.
5. 9 Muses red—Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot blend with hints of the local Mouchtaro grape: dark ruby, black cherry, capsicum, blackberry, cedar, and oak on the nose. Firm but juicy tannins, rich fruit and balancing acidity.
6. Kikones Ippeas dry red—60% Cabernet Sauvignon-40% Merlot: plum and red fruit aromas, very concentrated, round tannins, and long aftertaste. Aged 12 months in French oak and bottled unfiltered, this wine will reward cellaring for up to 15 years.
7. Prinos red—100% Syrah: aromas of pepper, blackberry and violets, full body and velvety texture.
8. Diamond Rock—Syrah and Mandilari: preserved berry fruit, cherries, dark chocolate and spice in the finish. Medium to full-bodied with rounded, toasty tannins.
9. Argatia red—Regional wine of Macedonia: Xinomavro, Negoska, and Moshomavro grape varieties. Rich dark color; fresh tasting with fruity aromas; mild tannins and pleasant aftertaste.

Event Registration Instructions