Τhe Markogianni winery was founded in 1982 and is now run by second generation brother and sister Yiannis and Antonia Christopoulos. The name of the winery, Markogianni, pays homage to their grandfather. It is situated near Ancient Olympia, in a terroir which is highly influenced by the Ioanian Sea and Alfeios river. The winery currently produces 25.000 bottles, but there is potential for growth. They cultivate organically since 2001, and their emphasis is on accentuating the expression of autochthonous varieties such as Mandilaria, Vertzami and Roditis.
Their Diagon Vertzami 2017 is a standout. Only 550 bottles were produced from old, own rooted, vines. ''Locals thought the vines were Mavrodaphne, but we ran a genetic test and they were proven to be Vertzami'' says Yiannis Christopoulos. New vines have been planted, but it will take time before they find a place in the blend. Winemaking sees minimal intervention and no new oak. Christopoulos argues that he cannot risk new oak on Verzami because it has delicate aromas and it is extremely tannic. It needs special treatment.
About the variety: Tannic, deeply coloured, with high acidity (TA usually 8 to 8.5 g/lt).
(The harvest takes place in late September so that phenolic ripeness can be achieved, 13,4% abv, 7 days of extraction, 15 months on 2nd and 3rd use oak). Purple coloured. Spicy and leafy, around a core of black fruit. Very youthful and taut. Structured, peppery and mineral on the palate, with abundant tannins which are nicely supported by the dense fruit. Layered already, but will evolve beautifully. Greece&Grapes €18.10 [1]