Terra Ambera Amphora
Grape Variety
100% Muscat of Alexandria
Annual Production
Approximately 3,000 bottles
Introduction
Terra Ambera Amphora 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 four-month skin contact fermentation in a reclaimed amphora, 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 four-month skin contact fermentation in a reclaimed amphora, buried underground, with spontaneous fermentation and no temperature control. After fermentation, it is aged for two months, bottled without any additions except minimal sulfites, and without fining or filtration, maintaining its natural integrity.
Flavor Characteristics
Terra Ambera Amphora presents a vibrant amber color. The nose is aromatic, offering notes of orange peel, quince jelly, dried apricot, frankincense, sage, mountain tea, and flower potpourri. 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 Amphora 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, including fermentation in a reclaimed amphora, further enhance its uniqueness, offering a natural and expressive taste of Lemnos Island.