Oinotropai Winery – Carignan Vieilles Vignes 2018

This Greek Carignan from old vines was tasted in a direct comparison with the Chilean cult wine Vigno Tequilemu Vineyard Field Blend 2018 from Garage Wine Co (99 Robert Parker points) – a wine that comes from a tiny 0.4-hectare parcel with roughly 40-year-old vines, which is probably unique for Greece. Yiannis Karakasis MW had given the wine 90+ points a year after harvest, while the Greek wine critic Simos Georgopoulos was even more enthusiastic with 9/10 points and the verdict that this is one of the most interesting Greek wines from international grape varieties right now.

The ΡΟΕΣ 2018 presents itself very differently from its Chilean counterpart, but is by no means quiet either. The 15.5% alcohol is not hidden at all – it hits you right away together with nutty aromas. But there's also surprisingly good acidity, a very solid dose of fruit – and above all a finish whose length absolutely holds its own against the international cult wine. A magnificent 94 points. More something for freaks who enjoy being challenged – but for Carignan fans it's a must, and especially in direct comparison with the Vigno, incredibly exciting.