Lefko 2023

Located on the island of Kefalonia, in the heart of the Ionian archipelago, the Petrakopoulos estate cultivates the Lefko cuvée on breezy slopes near the sea, benefiting from a Mediterranean climate tempered by sea breezes. The vines, often planted in limestone and clay-limestone soils, draw their character from a rocky, well-drained terroir. The influence of the nearby mountains and the abundant sunshine promote slow ripening, preserving freshness and tension, while the proximity to the sea imparts a saline signature and a very pure expression of the indigenous grape varieties.

The grapes are hand-harvested and then sorted before gentle pressing to preserve the aromatic purity of the indigenous grape varieties. The must is then fermented at low temperatures in stainless steel tanks, with precise temperature control to maintain the wine's freshness and tension. Aging continues on fine lees in stainless steel tanks, with moderate stirring, to gain volume and complexity while preserving the mineral character and finesse typical of Petrakopoulos white wines.

This wine reveals notes of fresh citrus , white-fleshed fruit , and white flowers , enhanced by a herbaceous touch and a subtle mineral dimension reminiscent of rock and sea breeze. On the palate, the wine is elegant, supported by a lively yet harmonious acidity , with a slightly chalky texture and a lingering, saline finish that prolongs the sensations of freshness and aromatic purity.

Long known as simple table wines, notably Retsina, a white wine infused with pine resin, Greek wines have seen a significant improvement in quality over the last 20 years. The history of wine is as ancient as that of Greece itself. More than 3,000 years ago, the oldest known grape presses in the world were discovered on the island of Crete. After a period of stagnation throughout the 20th century, Greek wines experienced a dramatic improvement in quality thanks to Greece's entry into the European Union, the training of young oenologists in top European schools, and a focus on meeting international demand. Greece is not content with the easy route of relying primarily on major French grape varieties such as Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon, which would greatly facilitate exports. Today, Greece aims to continue cultivating and promoting its ancient grape varieties, of which there are approximately 300 across the country. The very first thing to understand is that Greece is far more diverse in terms of climate than most people realize. The country clearly has everything from arid Mediterranean islands to humid, mountainous pine forests that receive snowfall in winter. With such a diverse climate, you can expect Greek wines to be equally varied. Therefore, one of the best ways to get a sense of Greek wine is to divide the country into four broad wine regions based on their climate: Northern Greece (humid climate), the Aegean Islands (arid climate), Central Greece, and Southern Greece (Mediterranean climate). Its potential and reputation are greatly underestimated by the general public today, which is likely to lead to some pleasant surprises!