2020 Rapsani, Dougos Winery

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2018 Rapsani, Dougos Winery

Elegant, fruity and more velvety than a classic Xinomavro - awarded 17/20 from Jancis Robinson! Delicious with tomato based dishes.

Tasting Notes

The Rapsansi exhibits a perfume of roses and red fruit compote with hints of peppery spice and tobacco; and subtle herbal undertones. Fresh and lively on the palate with a fruit profile of macerated cherries and red plums. This is an elegant and medium-bodied red with moderately firm but fine tannins, reminiscent of powdered cocoa.

History

Dougos winery was founded in 1991 by Thanos and Louiza Dougos. Thanos is the viticulturist and Louiza is the winemaker and together they make wines from indigenous Greek varieties as well as blends with international grapes. They also operate one of Greece's oldest vine nurseries, which was established in 1950. Production is small, peaking at around 70,000 bottles per year. The winery is located in the Tempi Valley, on the foothills of Mt. Olympus, in what constitutes the PDO Rapsani, in the Thessaly region. The vineyards are planted in iron-rich schist soils at altitudes of 450-700 meters. These soils are poor and the iron content is important as it helps regulate the water capacity of the soil. The vineyards are cultivated without the use of irrigation, at low yields, and are certified organic.

The wines are very true to their origin and are always elegant, refined and expressive, and never dominated by new oak. In fact, the 300l barrels used (Acacia for the Assyrtiko and French/American oak for the reds) are always only lightly or not at all toasted, in order to not overpower the intricate qualities of the varieties. The main varieties cultivated here are the indigenous Assyrtiko, Xinomavro, Krasato, Stavroto, and Limniona. The last three varieties are local to Thessaly. By law, Rapsani PDO wines must be a blend of Xinomavro, Krasato and Stavroto. The two local varieties (Xinomavro has its home in Macedonia) are used to tame the rustic, tannic character of Xinomavro, which makes for more supple and approachable wines, though never at the expense of character or structure.


The Wine Advocate

Reviewed by Mark Squires for RobertParker.com
"The 2017 Rapsani is a blend of 40% Xinomavro, 40% Krasato and 20% Stavroto aged for 12 months in a 20% new mixture of French and American oak. This is only listed at 13% alcohol, but it seems rich and ripe, chock-full of flavor. The wood gives it a creamy texture and subdues the fruit a bit in this wine's youth, but it is not too overbearing. The tannins are quite moderate on this young Rapsani, so you can drink this right now. Some years seemed to project better structure. Still, it tastes great and has the stuffing to hold up to foods at a reasonable price. It will hold reasonably well, but I'm not so sure how much it will improve in this style and this vintage, so don't think of it as a wine to hold. It's a wine to drink."




Accolades

  • Julia Harding for Jancis Robinson 16.5 points
'Quite a mature colour – not unusual for Xinomavro – with some brick at the rim. Intense aroma of sweet/sour red fruit and a suggestion of dried tomato. Chalky-textured, youthfully dry but fine tannins and fresh acidity, quite demanding at the moment and definitely needs food, and a little more time to soften and develop the complexity it promises. Mouth-watering aftertaste that makes it so moreish, even in youth and even with these chalky tannins. Drink 2025 – 2032.' Julia Harding

Specifications

Year 2020
Bottle Size 750ml
Cultivar 40% Ximonavro, 40% Krasato, 20% Stavroto
Country Greece
Alcohol content
13% alc vol 
Units of Alcohol per Bottle 9.8 units
Type Red Blend
Food Matches Pizza with ham, sausages, rich and flavourful cheeses, pasta with red, spicy sauces.
Origin Mount Olympus, Valley of Tempi

 

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