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:
Assyrtiko
Annual Production:
1,800 liters
Introduction:
Amber Assyrtiko from Halkia Wines is a striking orange wine crafted in the Nemea region of the Peloponnese. Made from 100% Assyrtiko, this organic wine showcases the unique character of the variety through meticulous natural winemaking.
Cultivation:
The vineyards are located in the appellation of PGI Corinth, where certified organic farming practices are employed. The vines thrive in the region’s Mediterranean climate, benefiting from abundant sunshine and cool breezes, which contribute to the grape's intense aromatic profile.
Vinification:
This wine undergoes a 5-day skin maceration, followed by a 13-day wild fermentation in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures of 14–16℃. No additives or interventions are used, ensuring a pure expression of the grape. The wine is unfiltered, unclarified, and aged for three months on fine lees to enhance texture and complexity.
Flavor Characteristics:
Amber Assyrtiko presents a pale golden hue with aromas of citrus blossoms and hints of wild herbs. On the palate, it balances refreshing acidity with subtle tannins, creating a harmonious and layered tasting experience.
Food Pairing:
This versatile wine pairs beautifully with seafood dishes, grilled vegetables, and traditional Greek mezes.
Uniqueness:
What sets Amber Assyrtiko apart is its organic cultivation, low-intervention vinification, and elegant balance of structure and freshness. It reflects the dedication of Anna Halkia, a pioneer in natural winemaking in the Peloponnese.
Grape Variety
Assyrtiko
Annual Production
N/A
Introduction
Hatzidakis Skitali is a distinguished white wine from Hatzidakis Winery, situated on the volcanic island of Santorini, Greece. Crafted entirely from the indigenous Assyrtiko grape variety, this wine exemplifies the unique terroir of Santorini, offering a complex and structured profile. The term "Skitali" refers to the traditional practice of harvesting grapes at night to preserve freshness and acidity.
Cultivation
The vineyards are located in the Megalochori area of Santorini, characterized by volcanic soils, minimal rainfall, and strong winds. The Assyrtiko vines are traditionally trained in the koulouri shape, resembling a basket, to protect the grapes from the elements. The late-night harvest ensures optimal grape quality, preserving the natural acidity and freshness of the fruit.
Vinification
Grapes are hand-harvested during the night to maintain freshness. The wine undergoes fermentation with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel tanks. It is then aged for approximately 12 months in stainless steel tanks with noble lees, followed by 10 months of bottle aging. The wine is bottled unfiltered, preserving its natural character.
Flavor Characteristics
Hatzidakis Skitali presents a mild yellow color with golden shades. The nose is expressive, offering aromas of white flowers, citrus fruits, and subtle herbal notes. On the palate, it is dynamic and intense with lively acidity, intense minerality, and a lasting aftertaste.
Food Pairing
This wine pairs excellently with large, high-fat fish, shellfish, spaghetti with seafood, poultry, pork, and creamy cheeses.
Uniqueness
Hatzidakis Skitali stands out for its traditional winemaking methods, including the late-night harvest and aging with noble lees in stainless steel tanks. The wine's complexity and aging potential reflect the unique volcanic terroir of Santorini and the indigenous Assyrtiko grape variety.
Grape Variety
100% Assyrtiko
Annual Production
Limited quantities; specific figures not publicly disclosed.
Introduction
Hatzidakis Nykteri is a distinguished white wine from Hatzidakis Winery, situated on the volcanic island of Santorini, Greece. Crafted entirely from the indigenous Assyrtiko grape variety, this wine exemplifies the unique terroir of Santorini, offering a complex and structured profile. The term "Nykteri" refers to the traditional practice of harvesting grapes at night to preserve freshness and acidity.
Cultivation
The vineyards are located in the Megalochori area of Santorini, characterized by volcanic soils, minimal rainfall, and strong winds. The Assyrtiko vines are traditionally trained in the koulouri shape, resembling a basket, to protect the grapes from the elements. The late-night harvest ensures optimal grape quality, preserving the natural acidity and freshness of the fruit.
Vinification
Grapes are hand-harvested during the night to maintain freshness. The wine undergoes fermentation with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel tanks. It is then aged for approximately 12 months in French oak barrels of varying sizes, imparting subtle complexity and structure to the wine. The wine is bottled unfiltered, preserving its natural character.
Flavor Characteristics
Hatzidakis Nykteri presents a deep lemon-gold color. The nose is expressive, offering aromas of ripe stone fruits, citrus peel, dried nuts, and subtle notes of smoke and sea breeze. On the palate, it is full-bodied with high acidity and a rich, oily texture. Flavors of vanilla, honey, toast, and hazelnut are complemented by a mineral backbone, leading to a long, persistent finish.
Food Pairing
This wine pairs excellently with grilled fish, shellfish, or orzo pasta with shrimp and fennel.
Uniqueness
Hatzidakis Nykteri stands out for its traditional winemaking methods, including the late-night harvest and aging in French oak barrels. The wine's complexity and aging potential reflect the unique volcanic terroir of Santorini and the indigenous Assyrtiko grape variety.
Grape Variety
100% Assyrtiko
Annual Production
N/A
Introduction
Hatzidakis Santorini Familia is a distinguished white wine from Hatzidakis Winery, located on the volcanic island of Santorini in Greece. Crafted entirely from the indigenous Assyrtiko grape variety, this wine exemplifies the unique terroir of Santorini, offering a complex and structured profile. The name "Familia" reflects the winery's transition to the hands of the late Haridimos Hatzidakis's family, continuing his legacy.
Cultivation
The vineyards are situated at elevations ranging from 50 to 220 meters on the island of Santorini, characterized by dry, warm summers with minimal rainfall and powerful winds. The volcanic and pumice stone soils are poor in nutrients, contributing to the wine's distinctive minerality. The vines, some over 100 years old, are traditionally trained in the koulouri shape, resembling a basket, to protect the grapes from the strong winds.
Vinification
Grapes are hand-harvested to ensure optimal quality. The wine undergoes fermentation with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel tanks. It is then matured for six months on its lees, enhancing its complexity and mouthfeel. The wine is bottled unfiltered, preserving its natural character.
Flavor Characteristics
Hatzidakis Santorini Familia presents a medium lemon color. The nose is expressive, offering aromas of lemon, citron, grapefruit, toast, honey, and peach, with subtle notes of flint and wet stone. On the palate, it is full-bodied with high acidity and a dense structure characteristic of Assyrtiko, leading to a long, mineral-driven finish.
Food Pairing
This wine pairs excellently with shellfish, lean fish, green salads, asparagus, white-sauced meats, and cheeses from the Cyclades.
Uniqueness
Hatzidakis Santorini Familia stands out for its use of the Assyrtiko grape variety, indigenous to Santorini. The traditional cultivation methods, including the koulouri vine training system, and the meticulous winemaking process, contribute to its complexity and aging potential. The wine's distinctive minerality reflects the volcanic terroir of Santorini, offering a unique expression of Greek viticulture.
Grape Variety:
100% Assyrtiko
Annual Production:
Approximately 1,500 liters
Introduction:
“A-Grafo Assyrtiko” by Kontozisis Organic Vineyards is a natural white wine that redefines the expression of Assyrtiko, traditionally associated with Greece’s islands. Crafted in the foothills of Agrafa in Thessaly, it highlights the mainland's unique interpretation of this renowned grape. The name “A-Grafo,” meaning “unwritten” in Greek, signifies the winery's commitment to authenticity and innovation.
Cultivation:
The Assyrtiko vines are organically farmed in the PGI Karditsa region of Thessaly, situated at 300 meters above sea level. Planted in calcareous sand soils with a Mediterranean climate, the vineyard, established in 2003, is managed with sustainable practices. The yield is meticulously controlled to enhance grape quality, with each vine producing approximately 1.5 kilograms of fruit.
Vinification:
Harvested by hand, the grapes undergo a 40-hour maceration on their skins without pressing. Spontaneous fermentation with wild yeasts takes place in concrete tanks over 25 days, with no temperature control. The wine is then aged on its fine lees for six months in stainless steel tanks, adding depth and complexity. No sulfites or additives are used, resulting in a wine of natural purity.
Flavor Characteristics:
A-Grafo Assyrtiko exhibits aromas of citrus blossoms, green apple, and wet stone. The palate is vibrant and textured, with refreshing acidity and minerality that reflect its terroir. It concludes with a lingering, clean finish.
Food Pairing:
This wine pairs beautifully with grilled seafood, fresh salads, and light pasta dishes, complementing its crisp, mineral-driven profile.
Uniqueness:
A-Grafo Assyrtiko stands out for its natural vinification process and its mainland origin, offering a fresh perspective on Assyrtiko beyond its traditional island roots. The commitment to organic farming and minimal intervention winemaking makes it a true representation of the vineyard’s philosophy.