Kayafas 2019

The Kayafas cuvée embodies one of the purest and most elegant expressions of the Xinomavro grape variety in the Naoussa appellation, in northern Greece. Produced from an iconic vineyard located in the Kayafas area, at an altitude of around 180 meters , this wine benefits from old vines over 50 years old , rooted in deep limestone soils. The climate, marked by Mediterranean influences tempered by the proximity of Mount Vermio, ensures a slow and balanced ripening of the grapes.

The vinification of this wine is minimally interventionist, faithful to the biodynamic philosophy of the estate. The grapes are harvested by hand, partially destemmed (around 80%), then fermented with indigenous yeasts . Maceration lasts up to 40 days, with 20% whole bunches to preserve aromatic freshness. The wine is then aged for 12 to 24 months in 500-liter French oak barrels , without filtration or fining, which gives it a refined structure and great aging capacity.

This wine reveals aromas of black cherry, wild strawberry, plum , fig , black mushroom, dried rose, lavender, sweet spices , black tea and black olives . The palate expresses a beautiful tension, lively acidity, fine but present tannins, and a persistent finish with mineral accents.

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!