SOLOMOS WINERY | Amounti | 2021
avgoustiatis

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Today we are also going to review a single-varietal avgoustiatis wine from Zakynthos PGI (Ionian Islands), which is a rarity even in its homeland in southern Greece – Amounti 2021 by Solomos Winery. Avgoustiatis (or Augustiatis) belongs to a group of very rare greek grape varieties, produced only from by handful of winemakers but, at the same time, resulting in impressive, high quality red wines. Avgoustiatis shows promise of being as unique as the land of its origin: an exceptional grape variety with the potential of offering a one-of-a-kind tasting experience, capable of overturning the habitual wine routine of each and every wine explore. Avgoustiatis usually produces wines with a deep, vibrant purple color, intense aromas of red fruit and dried herbs, usually supported by elegant oak, while on the palate they have a round, medium+ body, fine grained tannins and high alcohol. It is a highly localized grape, found only in the western parts of Peloponnese. Given the rarity of this grape variety, single varietal bottlings can be difficult to find and some wine producers blend it with other international or local varieties. But enough with all that theory, 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-deep ruby color
clarity: hazy ruby shades at the rim

//Olfactory
intensity: rich & nuanced
fruit character: ripe & dried

On the first nose, this wine unfolds with a dynamic fusion of ripe and dried fruit character that immediately captures the senses. The foreground showcases a symphony of black fruits, with notes of dark cherries, black plums and aronia berries, complemented by quite nuanced spicy undertones and hints of dehydrated fruits. Meanwhile, in the background, one can detect a subtle influence of oak, with hints of toasted oak, cigar box and tobacco, that further enhance the aromatic complexity. In its essence, this wine presents a delightful olfactory experience, where the ripe and dried fruit intermingles with the subtle spicy and oaky nuances, creating a well-rounded and engaging aromatic profile.

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

On the palate, this wine delivers a robust expression of ripe and dehydrated fruits. The mouthfeel is marked by a crisp acidity, that imparts a lively energy to the wine, and some rough tannins, that contribute to the wine’s angular and astringent profile. An overwhelming touch of alcoholic warmth adds a bold dimension to the mouthfeel, enhancing the wine’s intensity and robustness. A seedy-rough aftertaste lingers for a while, providing a distinctive and slightly austere finish, resulting in a wine that leaves a lasting impression with its assertive and robust character.

//Verdict
maturity: developing | needs time | drink after 1 or 2 years
verdict: nice | enjoyable & good | a well made wine that lacks elegance and finesse

All in all, this is a quite angular and rough wine that in its current state feels unbalanced on the palate. Despite the vibrant interplay of ripe and dehydrated fruits, the overall tasting experience lacks harmony. The pronounced roughness of the tannins, coupled with an overwhelming touch of alcoholic warmth, contributes to a heady and austere mouthfeel. This rare greek wine, though robust, falls short in terms of finesse and refinement. The angular body and seedy-rough aftertaste underscore the wine’s untamed nature, leaving room for further improvement. While there are intriguing elements, the current lack of balance and harmony between the wine’s elements, suggests that this wine may benefit from further bottle aging to round up its rough edges and achieve a more harmonious expression.

//Scoring
SOLOMOS WINERY | Amounti | 2021
variety: avgoustiatis
country: Greece | Ionian Islands
region: Zakynthos PGI
rating: 91.0
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This is definitely a nice wine of Greece and, with a total of 91.0 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 complex and rich flavor profile, we would recommend to pair it with a grilled lamb chops marinated in a medley of aromatic spices. The wine’s angular palate, marked by rough tannins and a seedy aftertaste, will be counter-balanced by the bold flavors in the charred crust of the lamb chops. The ripe and dehydrated black fruit notes, along with the spicy undertones in the wine, will complement the smokiness and spice of the barbequed meat, creating a flavorful synergy. In the same key, the crisp acidity of the wine will cut through the richness of the lamb, providing a refreshing contrast and balancing the overall palate. This pairing aims to elevate the tasting experience by celebrating the wine’s robust personality and the unapologetic nature of both the wine and the dish. Cheers!

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