KTIMA BIBLIA CHORA | Red | 2021
merlot | cabernet sauvignon | agiorgitiko

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The Bibila Chora (the “C” is silent) winery was built in 1998 in the hills of Mount Pangeon, in northen Greece near Kavala, Macedonia. It is a joint venture of two talented winemakers: Evangelos Gerovassiliou (the owner of the famous Ktima Gerovassiliou winery) and Vassilis Tsaktsarlis.

Today we are going to review a wine blend from the warm, Pangeon sub-region of Macedonia in northern Greece – Red 2021 by Ktima Biblia Chora. This wine is a blend of three grape varieties: merlot, cabernet sauvignon and agiorgitiko, where merlot forms the wine’s main body and builds a more refined mid-palate, cabernet sauvignon brings more structure and tannin extract, whereas agiorgitiko enhances the wine’s color depth and offers a more dynamic finish. The philosophy behind the art of blending presumes that the end result of a wine blending process must be better than each varietal wine taken separately. In order to soften the tannins and add extra complexity to the final blend, this wine has been aged for 12 months in french oak barriques. That said and without further ado, let’s take a look at the wine tasting results.
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Take a look at the tasting notes below and our detailed assessment of the wine:

//Visual
color: medium-pale ruby color
clarity: hazy ruby shades on the rim

//Olfactory
intensity: rich & fruit-forward
fruit character: ripe & dehydrated

On the first nose, this wine reveals an intriguing combination of ripe and dehydrated red fruits in the foreground, dominated by notes of cranberries, redcurrants and dried cherries. Some quite pronounced herbal undertones add depth to the aromatic profile, showcasing a delicate dance between notes of basil leaf, bay leaf and thyme, lending a savory nuance to the overall experience. In the background, some earthy essence emerges, with subtle hints of brown soil and dust, while wisps of oak contribute to the overall aromatic complexity with discreet notes of sun-dried oakwood.

//Palate
sweetness: dry | acidity: medium+ | alcohol: high | tannin: medium+ | balance: good
finish: medium | aftertaste: seedy-crisp

On the palate, this wine unveils a ripe and dehydrated fruit character. The mouthfeel is characterized by a lively interplay of crisp acidity, creating a refreshing vibrancy that accentuates the wine’s overall profile. Seedy tannins provide a firm and angular structure, adding a layer of complexity on the palate, while a nuanced touch of alcoholic warmth contributes depth and reinforces the wine’s body. The aftertaste is leaning towards the seedy-crisp spectrum, leaving a lasting impression on the senses.

//Verdict
maturity: developing | drink now or in the next 2 or 3 years
verdict: fine | highly recommended | a wine of premium quality with good potential

All in all, this is a slightly angular and nicely structured wine, that distinctly speak of its warm climate origin. The fruit-forward nature of the wine is evident, with ripe and dehydrated fruit elements taking central stage. However, in its current state, the wine lacks the desired harmony and finesse on the palate. The interplay of seedy tannins and crisp acidity contributes to a firm structure, yet there is a sense of disjointedness that hinders a seamless integration of flavors. While the wine showcases good potential with its genuine expression of dusty terroir and vibrant, fruit-forward character, it might benefit from further aging, in order to develop into a more harmonious and sophisticated expression over time.

//Scoring
KTIMA BIBLIA CHORA | Red | 2021
variety: merlot | cabernet sauvignon | agiorgitiko
country: Greece | Macedonia
region: Pangeon
rating: 92.3
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This is definitely a fine wine of Greece and, with a total of 92.3 points scored, this wine is right there, among the best wines we’ve rated so far. Check our complete database on the wine rating page, where you can find all the wines that we have tasted and reviewed or go to the about us page and find out more about our exquisite rating system.

Pairing: Judging by the wine’s rich flavor profile, we would recommend to pair it with a succulent T-bone steak with garlic and rosemary. The wine’s slightly angular characteristics, coupled with its ripe and dehydrated fruit flavors, will harmonize seamlessly with the robust and meaty essence of the steak, while the seedy-crisp aftertaste and bright acidity in the wine, will cut through the richness of the meat, providing a refreshing contrast. In the same kay, the pronounced herbal accent in the wine, will complement the flavorful notes of rosemary and garlic in the dish, creating a delightful interplay of flavors and allowing the wine to shine. Cheers!

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© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation.