Siflogo Brousko 2022

Siflogo is the project of professor and winemaker Dionysis Papanikolopoulos on Lefkada, one of the Ionian Islands off western Greece, and Brousko showcases Vertzami, a dark skinned native grape known for deep colour and firm tannin. The island maritime climate is warm and sunny with sea breezes that temper the heat and preserve freshness, while the hillside vineyards and lean soils keep yields low and the fruit concentrated. Vertzami naturally gives an inky, tannic wine, and the twelve months in barrel round the structure and add a savoury, spiced frame without covering the character of the grape. It is made naturally and organically, with minimal intervention in the cellar. The colour is deep, almost opaque ruby. The nose shows dark plum and berry fruit over dried herbs, leather and a stony, earthy note, and the palate is full bodied and firmly tannic with fresh acidity and a long, savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanted where possible. Good with grilled lamb, beef and aged cheese.