Biblia Chora Red 2019 from Ktima Biblia Chora

The combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Agiorgitiko is a classic Greek take on the Bordeaux cuvée. Cabernet Sauvignon usually dominates there, to a greater or lesser degree (see for instance here and here (in German)). With the version from Ktima Biblia Chora, the red sibling of the well-known white (in German), by contrast, at 45% Merlot (40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Agiorgitiko) you're rather more on the right bank of the Gironde and Dordogne.

On the nose, the fruit is fairly restrained. Smoky notes dominate, leaning more toward ash, but very pleasant ones at that. Gooseberry and blackcurrant aromas then slowly unfold too. On the palate, red currant and cornelian cherry show themselves above all, with a very lovely – almost bloody – minerality. The Merlot clearly dominates the mouthfeel and delivers a pleasant drinking experience. The tannins are already fairly soft. The current vintage is indeed already quite drinkable in this way. On the finish, it shows itself surprisingly long for an entry-level wine.

That said, the price is also already somewhat more fitting, at our partner shop, at €16.70 (anyone ordering the wine via this form (in German) supports our website through the commission the retailer pays us). For a wine of comparable quality from Bordeaux, you'd of course pay considerably more. An "outstanding" cuvée with 17 points. It would be very exciting to retaste this one again after ten years.