Malagousia nature 2023

Tetramythos Winery was founded in 2004 by brothers Aristos and Stathis. Panagiotis Papagiannopoulos has been at the helm of the company since the beginning, as an oenologist. Together, they are dedicated to creating exceptional wines, mainly from local grape varieties. The excellent microclimate of the Aigialia mountain contributes to this. Panayiotis embodies the soul of Greek viticulture, combining tradition and innovation. After studying oenology in Athens in the 1990s, he first worked as a consultant before establishing himself as a winemaker at the estate . He adopts a natural approach to both soil work and winemaking, resulting in authentic, pure, typical wines deeply rooted in their terroir. He undoubtedly represents one of the finest expressions of the wine-growing Peloponnese.

The Malagousia grape variety had almost disappeared from Greece, but it has made a remarkable comeback in recent years, thanks in particular to estates such as Tetramythos. This emblematic grape variety of the Greek vineyard is distinguished by its aromatic power, its assertive character and a well-structured mouth. This white wine comes from vines at an altitude of 800 meters, cultivated using organic farming and planted on “Terra Rossa” red clay soils of a limestone bedrock. Vinified naturally, with skin maceration followed by 8 months of aging in vats, it reveals a marked personality, with dominant aromas of wild herbs , pear, lemon , apple , white peach and mountain flowers . On the palate, it is tasty and textured and the finish is carried by a chalky and salivating sensation.

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!