Terra Petra 2019

The Terra Petra cuvée from the Thymiopoulos estate is a cuvée composed of 70% Xinomavro and 30% Stavroto and Krassato. It comes from the Rapsani appellation, located about 50 km south of Naoussa, at the foot of Mount Olympus , at an altitude of 600 m. The vines are grown organically on schist soils, rich in quartz and clay-limestone. The harvest is carried out manually, then the grapes are gently pressed. After a 1-month maceration, the wine ages for 18 months in old 500-liter barrels. This wine reveals notes of red plum, strawberry, blackberry, cherry, tomato leaf, aromatic herbs, dried flowers, leather and undergrowth. The palate is distinguished, elegant with velvety tannins and a beautiful depth.

Long known as small table wines, notably with Retsina, a white wine infused with pine resin, Greek wines have increased in quality over the last 20 years. The history of wine is as old as that of Greece. More than 3000 years ago, traces of the oldest grape presses in the world were found on the island of Crete. After stagnation throughout the 20th century, Greek wines experienced a dazzling improvement from a quality point of view thanks to its entry into the European Union, the training of young oenologists in very good European schools and particular attention to international demand. She does not want to take the easy route by using mainly great French grape varieties such as Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon which would greatly facilitate export. Nowadays, Greece wants to continue to cultivate and introduce its ancient grape varieties, which number around 300 in the territory. The very first thing to understand is that Greece is much more diverse in terms of climate than most people think. 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 very varied as well. So, one of the best ways to get an idea of ​​Greek wine is to divide the country into four overall wine-growing zones based on their climate: Northern Greece (humid climate), Aegean Islands (arid climate). ), Central Greece and Southern Greece (Mediterranean climate). The potential and reputation are greatly underestimated today in the eyes of the general public, which may bring pleasant surprises!