Grape Variety
Xinomavro 100%
Annual Production
N/A
Introduction
The Karanika Xinomavro Old Vines from Domaine Karanika is a distinguished wine that showcases the essence of the Xinomavro grape, hailing from the renowned Amyntaio region in Macedonia, Greece. Known for its complexity and elegance, this wine is crafted from carefully selected old vines, bringing forth the deep, rich characteristics of the Xinomavro grape.
Cultivation
The vines are located at an altitude of 650 meters in the cold, mountainous region of Amyntaio. The soil is a combination of sand and clay, which contributes to the wine's unique minerality and balance. Domaine Karanika practices biodynamic farming principles, promoting sustainable viticulture while respecting the environment.
Vinification
The wine undergoes fermentation in stainless steel tanks, using only the free-run most to ensure purity and finesse. It is then aged for approximately one year in old French oak barrels, which imparts subtle notes of vanilla and spice without overpowering the natural character of the Xinomavro grape. The wine is bottled without pumps or filters, preserving its natural integrity.
Flavor Characteristics
The Karanika Xinomavro Old Vines is a deep ruby wine with complex aromas of plum, raspberry, sour cherry, and cherry. These fruit notes are complemented by spicy elements like vanilla, cinnamon, and black pepper, along with earthy hints of leather, tomato jam, and wet leaves. On the palate, the wine offers a rich yet balanced experience, with juicy tannins and refreshing acidity that provide structure and depth.
Food Pairing
This wine pairs beautifully with hearty dishes like wild boar in wine sauce, braised beef, and barbecue. It also complements rich stews, such as beef stew with smoked eggplant cream, making it a versatile choice for a variety of robust meals.
Uniqueness
The Karanika Xinomavro Old Vines stands out for its minimal intervention in winemaking, allowing the true character of the Xinomavro grape and the Amyntaio terroir to shine. The careful cultivation of old vines, combined with traditional winemaking techniques, results in a wine that is both elegant and expressive, reflecting the unique climate and soil of the region.
Grape Variety
Xinomavro 50%, Romeiko 50%
Annual Production
N/A
Introduction
The Illustrious Hartman Molavi Extra Brut is a distinguished sparkling wine from Domaine Karanika, located in the Amyntaio region of Macedonia, Greece. This wine exemplifies the winery's commitment to biodynamic and organic farming, producing exceptional sparkling wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region.
Cultivation
The grapes are sourced from Domaine Karanika's organic and biodynamic vineyards, situated on the banks of Lake Vegoritida in the Amyntaio plateau. The vineyards are home to a variety of grapevines, including the Xinomavro and Romeiko varieties, which are cultivated with a deep respect for nature.
Vinification
The Illustrious Hartman Molavi Extra Brut is crafted using the traditional method (Méthode Traditionnelle), a process that involves secondary fermentation in the bottle to develop its characteristic effervescence. The wine is aged on its lees, contributing to its complexity and depth of flavor.
Flavor Characteristics
This sparkling wine presents a lemon color with golden highlights. The aroma is elegant and expressive, featuring notes of citrus, ripe exotic fruits, orange peel, biscuit, and honey. On the palate, it offers a crisp and tight structure with a reserved intensity, showcasing floral, fruity, and yeasty profiles.
Food Pairing
The Illustrious Hartman Molavi Extra Brut pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, including seafood, shellfish, and light appetizers. Its crisp acidity and complex flavors also make it an excellent companion to sushi, sashimi, and fresh salads.
Uniqueness
Domaine Karanika's dedication to biodynamic and organic farming practices, combined with their expertise in traditional sparkling wine production, results in a wine that is both a reflection of the land and a testament to the artistry of winemaking. The Illustrious Hartman Molavi Extra Brut stands out for its minimal intervention approach, allowing the true character of the Xinomavro and Romeiko grapes to shine through.
Grape Variety
95% Xinomavro, 5% Limniona
Annual Production
N/A
Introduction
The Domaine Karanika Extra Brut Cuvée Rosé is a distinguished sparkling wine from the Amyntaio region in Macedonia, Greece. Crafted predominantly from the Xinomavro grape, with a touch of Limniona, this wine exemplifies the winery's commitment to biodynamic and organic farming practices. It is produced using the traditional method, ensuring a refined and expressive profile.
Cultivation
The grapes are sourced from Domaine Karanika's organic and biodynamic vineyards, situated on the banks of Lake Vegoritida in the Amyntaio plateau. The vineyards are home to a variety of grapevines, including Xinomavro and Limniona, cultivated with a deep respect for nature.
Vinification
The wine undergoes fermentation in stainless steel tanks, utilizing only the free-run most to ensure purity and finesse. It is then aged for approximately 9 to 18 months on its lees, contributing to its complexity and depth of flavor. The wine is bottled without pumps or filters, preserving its natural integrity.
Flavor Characteristics
This sparkling rosé presents a vibrant pink-gold color with persistent, fine bubbles. The nose is expressive, featuring aromas of lime, citrus, strawberry, and subtle hints of rose petals. On the palate, it offers a crisp and refreshing acidity, complemented by flavors of wild roses, strawberries, and raspberries. The finish is clean and lingering, with a touch of citrus zest.
Food Pairing
The Domaine Karanika Extra Brut Cuvée Rosé pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, including grilled salmon, tuna tartare, gazpacho, and grilled lamb. Its crisp acidity and complex flavors also make it an excellent companion to sushi, sashimi, and fresh salads.
Uniqueness
Domaine Karanika's dedication to biodynamic and organic farming practices, combined with their expertise in traditional sparkling wine production, results in a wine that is both a reflection of the land and a testament to the artistry of winemaking. The Extra Brut Cuvée Rosé stands out for its minimal intervention approach, allowing the true character of the Xinomavro and Limniona grapes to shine through.
Grape Variety
90% Xinomavro, 10% Assyrtiko
Annual Production
N/A
Introduction:
The Karanika Extra Brut Cuvée Spéciale is a premium sparkling wine from Domaine Karanika, located in the Amyntaio region of Macedonia, Greece. Made predominantly from the indigenous Xinomavro grape, this wine showcases the region's ability to produce world-class sparkling wines. The cuvée has been crafted with the highest attention to detail, reflecting the distinct terroir of its origin.
Cultivation:
The vineyards are located in the cooler region of Amyntaio, which is known for its unique combination of elevation and climate, ideal for growing the Xinomavro and Assyrtiko varieties. The soils are sandy, and the vineyards are partly biodynamic, ensuring minimal intervention in the farming practices.
Vinification:
The wine is produced using the traditional méthode champenoise. Whole bunches are pressed in a basket press, with fermentation taking place at controlled temperatures between 18–22°C. The wine undergoes a secondary fermentation in the bottle, where it is aged for 12 months on the lees, before being disgorged and released with minimal sulfur and no chemical additives.
Flavor Characteristics:
The Karanika Extra Brut Cuvée Spéciale is a sparkling wine with a delicate pinkish-yellow hue and vibrant, persistent bubbles. The nose is expressive with aromas of lime, pear, and strawberry, enhanced by a yeasty complexity. On the palate, the wine is fresh and creamy with a well-balanced acidity, offering flavors of strawberries and a touch of walnut peel. The finish is long, complex, and dry, showcasing the naturally high acidity of the Xinomavro grape.
Food Pairing:
This sparkling wine pairs wonderfully with seafood, grilled vegetables, and light pasta dishes. Its crisp acidity and complexity make it a versatile pairing for a variety of meals, especially those with a delicate yet rich flavor profile.
Uniqueness:
What sets the Karanika Extra Brut Cuvée Spéciale apart is its use of the indigenous Xinomavro grape in a sparkling format, which is rare and unique in the world of sparkling wines. The wine’s biodynamic cultivation, minimal intervention in winemaking, and the long aging process add to its distinctiveness, making it a world-class expression of Greek terroir.
Grape Variety:
50% Xinomavro, 50% Negoska
Annual Production:
Approximately 60,000 bottles
Introduction:
"Goumenissa" from Tatsis Winery is a distinguished red wine that exemplifies the rich viticultural heritage of the Goumenissa region in Macedonia, Greece. Crafted from the indigenous Xinomavro and Negoska grape varieties, this wine reflects the winery's dedication to organic and biodynamic practices, offering a true expression of its terroir.
Cultivation:
The vineyards are situated at elevations ranging from 250 to 400 meters on sloping, clay and sandy loam soils. The semi-continental climate, characterized by hot summers and cold winters with occasional snowfall, contributes to the unique character of the grapes. Annual rainfall ranges from 400 to 600 mm, and artificial irrigation is not utilized. The mesoclimate is influenced by northerly winds (Vardaris), minimal spring frosts, and low atmospheric humidity. Tatsis Winery employs certified organic and biodynamic viticulture, emphasizing sustainability and environmental harmony.
Vinification:
After hand-picking, the grapes undergo wild fermentation in stainless steel tanks. The wine is then aged separately for over 12 months in old French oak casks. Bottling is performed without filtration, preserving the wine's natural integrity. The wine is released no less than a year after bottling, allowing it to develop its complex flavors.
Flavor Characteristics:
"Goumenissa" presents a deep red color. The nose reveals aromas of ripe red fruits, particularly late-summer plums, complemented by subtle notes of tobacco. On the palate, it offers elegant tannins and balanced acidity, leading to a long-lasting aftertaste. The wine's complexity and dry, charming acidity make it reminiscent of Piedmontese reds.
Food Pairing:
This wine pairs excellently with veal in tomato sauce, spicy meatballs, grilled homemade sausage, or beef stew with tomato sauce and pasta, enhancing the dining experience with its vibrant acidity and complex flavor profile.
Uniqueness:
"Goumenissa" stands out for its blend of indigenous Greek grape varieties, Xinomavro and Negoska, and its adherence to organic and biodynamic viticulture. The wine's traditional winemaking methods and minimal intervention approach allow it to authentically express the unique terroir of the Goumenissa region.