Mavro 2021

The Mavro cuvée from the Petrakopoulos estate originates on the island of Kefalonia , in the heart of the Ionian Sea, in the mountainous region of Thiramonas, in the south of the island. The vines, planted in well-drained limestone and clay-limestone soils, benefit from a Mediterranean climate tempered by sea breezes and moderate altitudes. This combination of topography, rock, and maritime influences promotes a slow ripening of the grapes and preserves their natural freshness, resulting in a wine that precisely expresses the island character and the unique terroir of Kefalonia.

The Mavrodaphne grapes are hand-harvested and then carefully sorted before undergoing traditional red winemaking. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in tanks, with maceration allowing for the extraction of color and structure, while preserving the fresh and spicy character of the grape variety. Aging then occurs in stainless steel tanks to maintain the purity of the fruit, the tension, and the mineral expression of the island terroir, without a pronounced oak influence, before bottling at the estate.

This wine reveals notes of ripe red fruit , black cherry , and plum , enhanced by hints of violet and Mediterranean herbs , as well as delicate nuances of sweet spices and a subtle minerality . On the palate, it is supple, with fresh acidity , fine, well-integrated tannins , and a lingering finish that leaves a harmonious and flavorful impression.

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!