Palies Rizes by La Tour Melas is a distinctive red wine sourced from old, pre-phylloxera vines of Agiorgitiko in the Nemea region, highlighting a more terroir-driven and indigenous expression within the estate’s portfolio. The name, meaning “Old Roots”, reflects both the age of the vines and the intention to preserve and showcase Greece’s viticultural heritage.
In the glass, it presents a deep ruby color with aromatic layers of ripe red and black fruits, such as cherry and blackberry, intertwined with notes of dried herbs, sweet spices, and subtle earthy undertones. The palate is refined and well-structured, with polished tannins and a vibrant acidity that brings freshness and balance.
Compared to the winery’s more Bordeaux-influenced wines, Palies Rizes leans toward elegance and authenticity, emphasizing the natural character of Agiorgitiko and its origin. The finish is long and nuanced, often revealing hints of cocoa, tobacco, and Mediterranean herbs.
With its balance of depth and finesse, the wine pairs well with roasted meats, lamb, and traditional Greek cuisine, while also offering good aging potential in the bottle.
Producer
La Tour Melas is a boutique winery located in the village of Achinos in Central Greece (Fthiotida), overlooking the Aegean Sea and benefiting from cooling maritime influences. Founded in the early 2000s by Kyros Melas, the estate was created with a clear vision: to craft world-class wines in Greece inspired by the elegance of Bordeaux, yet firmly rooted in local terroir.
The vineyards span around 10-11 hectares at elevations between 150 and 300 meters, planted on clay and limestone soils that contribute to the structure and mineral character of the wines. Production focuses primarily on Cabernet Franc and Merlot, alongside increasing use of indigenous Greek varieties such as Agiorgitiko, particularly from old, pre-phylloxera vines.
The winemaking style combines international finesse with Mediterranean intensity, resulting in wines marked by ripe dark fruit, spice, and a distinct mineral backbone. Sustainable and biodynamic practices are applied in the vineyard, while the gravity-flow winery design allows for gentle handling of the grapes with minimal intervention.
Over time, La Tour Melas has established itself as one of the most ambitious and respected modern Greek wine projects, known for limited production and consistently high-quality releases that reflect both precision and a strong sense of place.