Mov 2019

Located on the island of Kefalonia, in the heart of the Ionian Sea, the Petrakopoulos estate cultivates its vines on limestone and clay-limestone slopes swept by sea winds. The plots are spread around the traditional villages of Thiramonas and Peratata, in an area with rugged terrain that promotes excellent natural drainage. This island terroir, marked by Mediterranean light and proximity to the sea, gives the grapes a slow ripening, preserved freshness, and a very precise expression of the Kefalonian identity.

Sourced from vines cultivated with meticulous care to express the terroir of Cephalonia, this wine is crafted from hand-harvested grapes, rigorously sorted upon arrival at the winery. Fermentation takes place in tanks, with gentle extraction aimed at preserving aromatic finesse and structure. Aging then occurs in barrels to refine the tannins and develop complexity, while respecting the freshness and minerality characteristic of Petrakopoulos wines.

This wine reveals notes of ripe red fruit , black cherry , and plum , enhanced by delicate floral touches, hints of sweet spice , and a subtle, integrated oak character. On the palate, it is full-bodied and structured, supported by fine tannins , fresh acidity , and a silky texture that leads to a persistent, slightly mineral finish, leaving an impression of balance and elegance.

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!