WTN: Gentilini Robola of Cephalonia (Greece)

[Jenise]

2004 Gentilini (producer) Robola (grape)
Cephalonia, Greece $17

Per the label, Robola is an increasingly rare, ungrafted, noble varietal that is best grown on the steep slopes of Cephalonia's imposing Mount Alinos. We vinify the grapes with care to create an elegant, pefectly balanced win that is crisp and fresh with deliciously ripe citrust aromas and mineral notes. It is a perfect partner for fish and shellfish. Best drunk gently chilled.

I ordered this after reading Tom Hill's praise for the 2003. I sense he wouldn't be quite as keen about the 04, which I would guess is a riper wine. Unusual gold color--looks like a mature wine in fact. Interesting flavors of citrus fruit, melon, green figs and raw blanched almonds with a mild undertone of limestone. The acidity's acceptable but more would have brightened up the minerality and carried the slight RS in the finish. Still an interesting wine, but would have made a better partner for cheese than king crab legs I served it with.

Thanks Jenise! I've been hoping to see some better Greek wines over here. We just unfortunately see the basic, commercial shite. I could well imagine though, that there are some great, little known varieties grown there.

I've read that Robola is possibly the same as Ribolla Gialla. Has there been a conclusive study made of the matter?

-O-

[Jenise]

Otto, I have no idea about studies. I just love offbeat, unusual wines and want to taste everything once, so I bit on this one. There's a website for this producer at http://www.gentilini.gr, I doubt if it would shed any light but it might be a fun way to kill five minutes.