Skouras 2021 Zoe Red Wine, Peloponnese Greece

This super affordable and energetic blend of 90% Agiorgitiko (ah-yee-or-yee-tee-ko) and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon really took me by surprise when I first tasted it. I often expect Greek reds to be powerful and dense because of the hot Greek sun, but this delightful and fairly light red is vibrant, spicy and fresh with juicy red cherry and plum fruits.  This is an easy drinking red that will pair well is a wide variety of foods.

George Skouras was born in Argos, one of the oldest towns in Europe. It has 3,000 years of winemaking culture and history. George studied agriculture at the University of Dijon in Burgundy, France. There, his experience with the local Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes cast a spell on him. He graduated from Dijon with a degree in enology, gaining experience by working in many classic wine-producing regions in France, Italy and Greece.

He had a dream of creating Domaine Skouras which materialized in 1986, starting with a small winemaking facility in Pyrgela, located on the outskirts of Argos.  He then created a boutique winery in the Nemea Appellation in the village of Gimno.  Skouras final winery was established in 2004 in Malandreni, also in the Nemea Appellation. The new infrastructure increased capacity and technical capabilities, but Skouras has kept his traditional philosophies of making his wines.