Introduction
Aoton Winery, located in the heart of Attica, Greece, is a boutique, family-run winery dedicated to reviving and celebrating indigenous grape varieties. With deep roots in the region’s viticultural history, Aoton combines tradition with modern techniques to produce wines that express the authenticity of Attica’s unique terroir.
Location and Terroir
Aoton Winery is situated in the Mesogaia region of Attica, an area historically known as one of Greece’s oldest and most significant winemaking regions. The climate here is Mediterranean, with abundant sunlight, minimal rainfall, and cooling sea breezes from the Aegean, creating ideal conditions for grape cultivation. The winery’s vineyards thrive in limestone-rich soils that contribute to the wines’ structure and mineral complexity.
Philosophy
Aoton Winery embraces a philosophy deeply rooted in respect for nature, tradition, and indigenous grape varieties. The name “Aoton,” derived from the ancient Greek word for “the finest,” reflects the winery’s commitment to producing high-quality wines. Their practices focus on minimal intervention both in the vineyard and the cellar to allow the grapes to fully express their terroir.
Notable Wines
- Aoton Savatiano: Made from the indigenous Savatiano grape, this wine reflects the region’s signature variety, offering fresh citrus aromas, balanced acidity, and minerality.
- Aoton Retsina: A modern interpretation of the traditional Greek Retsina, crafted with Savatiano and subtly infused with pine resin. It’s aromatic, refreshing, and sophisticated.
- Aoton Rosé: A blend that highlights local grapes, this rosé expresses vibrant red fruit aromas, crisp freshness, and depth.
Sustainability and Innovation
Aoton Winery employs sustainable viticultural practices, including manual harvesting and natural farming techniques, avoiding synthetic inputs to protect the environment. The focus on indigenous varieties such as Savatiano and Mandilaria preserves the heritage of Attica’s winemaking tradition. Innovation is seen in the winery’s meticulous handling of Retsina, elevating a historical style into a modern, refined wine.
Uniqueness
What sets Aoton Winery apart is its dedication to reviving Savatiano, often overlooked in favor of international varieties, and reimagining Retsina for contemporary wine lovers. By blending tradition with a modern perspective, Aoton Winery creates wines that are both timeless and innovative, rooted in the soul of Attica.
Recognition
Aoton’s wines have gained recognition for their quality, earning praise in Greece and internationally for elevating indigenous varieties and redefining Retsina with finesse and elegance.