Terra Ambera
Grape Variety
100% Muscat of Alexandria
Annual Production
Approximately 13,000 bottles
Introduction
Terra Amberra is an organic, natural orange wine from Garalis Winery, situated on the volcanic soils of Lemnos Island in Greece. Crafted entirely from Muscat of Alexandria grapes, this wine undergoes a five-day skin contact fermentation, imparting its distinctive amber hue and complex flavor profile.
Cultivation
The vineyards are located at an elevation of 150 meters on Lemnos Island, characterized by dry, warm summers with limited rainfall and temperatures ranging from 0–39°C. The volcanic soils are poor in nutrients, with some limestone, contributing to the wine's unique minerality. The vines, planted between 1972 and 2015, are cultivated organically, emphasizing minimal intervention to preserve the natural expression of the grapes.
Vinification
Grapes are hand-harvested to ensure optimal quality. The wine undergoes a five-day skin contact fermentation with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 21°C. After fermentation, it is aged for 2.5 months in stainless steel tanks. The wine is bottled with minimal sulfites, without fining or filtration, maintaining its natural integrity.
Flavor Characteristics
Terra Ambera presents a vibrant amber color. The nose is aromatic, offering notes of tangerine, honey, and white flowers, with slight oxidative nuances. On the palate, it is dry and medium-bodied, featuring flavors of orchard fruits such as apples and pears, complemented by high minerality and a light tannic structure reminiscent of unsweetened black iced tea.
Food Pairing
This wine pairs excellently with sautéed shiitake mushrooms, risotto with mushroom and thyme, aged yellow cheeses, goat spit, snails, and meat pies.
Uniqueness
Terra Ambera stands out for its use of the Muscat of Alexandria grape in an orange wine style, a technique that imparts its distinctive amber hue and complex flavor profile. The organic cultivation on volcanic soils and minimal intervention winemaking methods further enhance its uniqueness, offering a natural and expressive taste of Lemnos Island.