Kali Riza

Winemaker's Note

Garnet color of medium intensity, typical of Xinomavro and of the age of the vines. The nose is complex with dominant aromas of red forest fruit -raspberries and cranberries- and flowers. Tomato leaves and barrel notes compliment the aromatic bouquet that unfolds on the palate as well. The identity of the Amyndeon terroir is imprinted in the vigor offered by the acidity, in the concentration of the fruit, and in the extraordinary balance. The tannins -evident yet with a remarkable finesse- stand out for their quality and structure, a remarkable contribution of both the age of the bines and the rigorous selection of the very best fruit from the very best of plots. An elegant wine, with long, persistent finish, and notable ageing potential.

Varieties

Xinomavro 100%

Origin

PDO Amyndeon

Food Pairing

Pairs ideally with meat cooked in red sauce, wild mushroom risotto, stuffed peppers with cheese or ground beef, meat pies, grilled cheese Red with bronze hues, a colour typical for the Xinomavro sourced from Amyndeon.

Analytical Data

Alcohol: 14%

Residual sugar: 1.4 gr/l

Titratable acidity: 6.7 gr/l

pH: 3.36

This wine is a unique viticulture passion project aimed at tracking down, preserving and reviving old Xinomavro vines in the PDO region of Amyndeon. A dedicated effort by our team of viticulturists for over 20 years now, standing by small growers, supporting them with know-how all-year-round, giving them incentive to pass on this precious legacy to next generations. Each vintage is produced from a “pool” of selected parcels that meet the criteria of age of the plants (40 – 60 years), mindful vine growing and quality, while the quest for future vintages and new vine parcel discoveries never ceases. For 2022 vintage, see below indicative blocks used:

Vine parcel of 0.62 ha
Planting year: 1940 (ungrafted) / Density (plants/ha): 4,400
Soil: Sandy loam / Soil pH: 8.1

Vine parcel of 0.42 ha
Planting year: 1973 (ungrafted) / Density (plants/ha): 3,300
Soil: Sandy loam / Soil pH: 8.1

Vine parcel of 0.24 ha
Planting year: 1930 (ungrafted) / Density (plants/ha): 3,100
Soil: Sandy loam / Soil pH: 8.1

Vine parcel of 0.14 ha
Planting year: 1964 / Density (plants/ha): 3,100
Soil: Sandy loam / Soil pH: 8.2

Vine parcel of 0.90 ha
Planting year: 1976 / Density (plants/ha): 4,000
Soil: Sandy loam / Soil pH: 8.0

Vine parcel of 0.43 ha
Planting year: 1977 (ungrafted) / Density (plants/ha): 3,100
Soil: Sandy loam / Soil pH: ≈8.0

Vine parcel of 0.17 ha
Planting year: 1975 / Density (plants/ha): 3,100
Soil: Sandy loam / Soil pH: ≈8.0

Vine parcel of 0.45 ha
Planting year: Prior to 1930/ Density (plants/ha): 3,100
Soil: Sandy loam / Soil pH: ≈8.0

Vine parcel of 0.47 ha
Planting year: ≈1963 (ungrafted) / Density (plants/ha): 3,800
Soil: Sandy loam / Soil pH: ≈8.0

Vine parcel of 0.22 ha
Planting year: ≈1940 / Density (plants/ha): 3,800
Soil: Sandy loam / Soil pH: ≈8.0

Vine parcel of 0.26 ha
Planting year: 1976 (ungrafted) / Density (plants/ha): 3,800
Soil: Sandy loam / Soil pH: ≈8.0

Vine parcel of 0.25 ha
Planting year: ≈1940 / Density (plants/ha): 3,100
Soil: Sandy loam / Soil pH: ≈8.0

Vine parcel of 0.16 ha
Planting year: 1963 (ungrafted) / Density (plants/ha): 3,100
Soil: Sandy loam / Soil pH: ≈8.0

Vine parcel of 0.13 ha
Planting year: 1960 (ungrafted) / Density (plants/ha): 3,100
Soil: Sandy loam / Soil pH: ≈8.0

On a rather typical winter and spring, March was the exception; Cooler than the average, it let to a later bud break. The very high temperatures in June were interrupted by hail that due to the late flowering did not cause serious damage. The rest of the summer started with a rotation between xerothermic conditions and rain with mildly cool weather, ending with a 30-day of heat -milder than in 2021- and a wave of precipitation. From 5 September, the renowned northern wind of Amyndeon restored the conditions to the average standards of
the season for the area. As a late-ripening variety, Xinomavro benefitted from the decreased humidity during daylight and the diurnal temperature range, ripening in conditions that favored the concentration of sugars and anthocyanins.

Harvest: By hand with rigorous grape selection. The first block was on 23 September 2022, while the rest from 3 to 8 October 2022. The average blocks’ yield reached 7,000 kg/ha.

Rigorous grape sorting on conveyor belt. The berries are cooled at 8-10°C. Destemming, crushing and skin-contact for 6 days at a temperature of 10°C. 2-week fermentation, 7-day post-fermentation maceration. Blending of the different blocks follows. Maturation in French oak barrels of 3rd and 4th use for 12 months with mild lees stirring (bâtonnage) occasionally. 18-month cellaring before market release.

Harvest

On a rather typical winter and spring, March was the exception; Cooler than the average, it let to a later bud break. The very high temperatures in June were interrupted by hail that due to the late flowering did not cause serious damage. The rest of the summer started with a rotation between xerothermic conditions and rain with mildly cool weather, ending with a 30-day of heat -milder than in 2021- and a wave of precipitation. From 5 September, the renowned northern wind of Amyndeon restored the conditions to the average standards of
the season for the area. As a late-ripening variety, Xinomavro benefitted from the decreased humidity during daylight and the diurnal temperature range, ripening in conditions that favored the concentration of sugars and anthocyanins.

Harvest: By hand with rigorous grape selection. The first block was on 23 September 2022, while the rest from 3 to 8 October 2022. The average blocks’ yield reached 7,000 kg/ha.

Viticulture