by Dimitris Gouravas, Oenologist

LACULES ESTATE

SYRAH 2020

Messinia, Peloponnese

Syrah 100%

An Austrian man in the beautiful terroir of Koroni, enchanted by the landscape and the place, became the founder of a unique estate that produces world-class red wines.

FRIEDRICH GRUBER is the founder of GRUBER WINE CELLAR, perhaps the largest wine cellar manufacturer on the planet. When he found himself with a large piece of land in the beautiful Koroni, he decided to build an imposing mansion with a large cellar which he surrounded with a vineyard. His daughter Barbara trained in winemaking and viticulture at iconic Napa Valley wineries (HarlanEstate, Sequoia, OpusOne) while her husband Yorg is a Chemistry Professor at an Austrian University. All the ingredients to start a boutique winery were there! The influence of the style of cult wines of Napa Valley where Barbara was trained is evident in the wines of the estate. The estate’s portfolio includes 3 labels: a Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah blend called The Chord, a Syrah and a Merlot.

The story of the estate begins with Friedrich Gruber and the realization of a lifelong dream: the construction of a Mediterranean estate inspired by historic buildings from around the world. Friedrich’s love for wine began 30 years ago, when he started his cellar manufacturing company using only antique and repurposed materials. His involvement in the world of wine eventually led to an intense passion and a high appreciation for this exceptional product. What Friedrich admired most, apart from the complex and delicate taste, was the hard work behind each bottle. He didn’t want to just taste and criticize anymore, but try to make wine himself. Inspired by the deep-rooted tradition in Greece, one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world, Friedrich planted vines around the house, nestled near ancient olive trees. With the support and guidance of friends who are also winery owners, the first vintages were born. For the last ten years, production has been limited to family and close friends, to better know the complex terroir of Lacules Bay. The involvement of Friedrich’s daughter Barbara – who also shares a deep passion for fine wine – confirms that Lacules is a family affair.

Lacules Estate’s mission is to produce high quality wines that express a unique and incomparable style and reflect the soil and climate of the vineyards that rest on the Greek Gulf. Inspired by the best wines produced around the world and focused on continuous improvement and the conquest of perfection, the goal is humility and respect for nature’s precious resources.

The vineyards are located just above Lacules Bay, a small beach on the southwest coast of the Peloponnese. The vines are planted around the winery, next to centuries-old olive trees and spread out overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. His grape clones originate from France and were selected to suit the warm climate with relatively low humidity. Thinning stands and well-drained soils offer a low-yield crop with concentrated fruit that is then carefully picked by hand.

An exuberant and generous Syrah.

Color dark, almost impenetrable violet. Explosive nose with aromas of blackberries, blueberries, spices such as pepper, herbs such as mint, noticeable oak effect, floral and meaty hints. Full and exuberant in the mouth with rich tannins, balancing acidity and a very long aftertaste. It will get better after 3-5 years in the cellar.

PAIRINGS: Goes well with braised meats with wine sauce, grilled game and medium intensity cheeses.