Winemaker Notes
The traditional variety Bostilidi is cultivated with special care on the estate of the Sklavos family in Kechrionas, Palli. The vineyard consists of self-rooting stems over 90 years old, in cup-shaped configuration, with an yield of 250 kg / acre and an altitude of less than fifty meters. The principles of the Biodynamic cultivation method are applied in the vineyard and in the winemaking process, which highlights the characteristics of the variety in the special environment of the estate. The harvest takes place relatively late in the first fortnight of September. The wine produced is characterized as a strong fiery wine with a rich body and aromas reminiscent of dried raisins. Fermentation and maturation is done in French oak barrels Allier 500lt without added preservatives. Available in a limited number of bottles and continues a family tradition of 300 years.
There are hundreds of white grape varieties grown throughout the world. Some are indigenous specialties capable of producing excellent single varietal wines. Each has its own distinct viticultural characteristics, as well as aroma and flavor profiles.
A picturesque Mediterranean nation with a rich wine culture dating back to ancient times, Greece has so much more to offer than just retsina. Between the mainland and the country’s many islands, a wealth of Greek wine styles exists, made mostly from Greece’s plentiful indigenous varieties. After centuries of adversity after Ottoman rule, the modern Greek wine industry took off in the late 20th century with an influx of newly trained winemakers and investments in winemaking technology.
The climate—generally hot Mediterranean—can vary a bit with latitude and elevation, and is mostly moderated by cool maritime breezes. Drought can be an issue for Greek wine during the long, dry summers, sometimes necessitating irrigation.
Over 300 indigenous grapes have been identified throughout Greece, and though not all of them are suitable for wine production, future decades will likely see a significant revival and refinement of many of these native Greek wine varieties. Assyrtiko, the crisp, saline Greek wine variety of the island of Santorini, is one of the most important and popular white wine varieties, alongside Roditis, Robola, Moschofilero, and Malagousia. Muscat is also widely grown for both sweet and dry wines. Prominent red wine varieties include full-bodied and fruity Agiorghitiko, native to Nemea; Macedonia’s savory, tannic Xinomavro; and Mavrodaphne, used commonly to produce a Port-like fortified wine in the Peloponnese.