Silphium 2021, La Tour Melas

Silphium 2021, La Tour Melas

Date Tasted: 07/2022

Silphium is an unidentified plant used widely by most ancient Mediterranean cultures and was so rare and valuable that it was worth its weight in silver. That was the symbolism behind the name that Kyros Melas chose for the first Greek super premium rosé wine. The first vintage was in 2018, and only 2.500 bottles per year are produced. Until the 2020 vintage, the blend was Grenache, Syrah, and Fokiano, but in 2021 shifted to some of the rarest indigenous varieties, Aspro Potamisi, Monemvasia and Fokiano. The vines are 70 years old and planted on the island of Naxos. A percentage of wine ageing in oak to gain structure and complexity.

Appearance: Bright, pale salmon colour.

Nose: It has a complexity beyond expectation with strawberry, jasmine, melon and wonderful Mediterranean spices like clove, cumin and saffron. It needs airing to open up. It is elegant and complex and spotlights the dynamic of Greek varieties.

Palate: It has vivid acidity and excellent balance with a dash of white pepper and flint. Expressive and tasty with a long-lasting, mineral finish. 

Drink or Hold: From the few rosés in the market with ageing potential.

Food Pairing: Smoked salmon or trout. 

Score: 90/100

Name: Silphium

Producer: La Tour Melas

Variety: Aspro Potamisi, Monemvasia, Fokiano

Vintage: 2021

Region: Echinos, Greece

Alcohol: 13,5%

Retail Price: 40€

Serving temperature: 10-12 C°

Drink it until 2024