Akriotou – Old Vine Savatiano ‘Orivatis’, Sterea Ellada – 2023

ABOUT THE PRODUCER:
Vasiliki Akriotou is an oenologist with over 20 years’ experience in the wine industry. In 2015, she created her first range of wines from a micro-winery in the heart of Greece, which reflected her philosophy of winemaking. The vineyards are situated among the snow-capped mountains at altitudes of 280 to 380 metres above sea level. The range includes is Ορειβάτης, which translates as the ‘Mountaineer’ made from Savatiano, which recognises the steep, challenging terrain. This sublime, premium range of wines made from old vines of native grapes, is a true expression of this fresh mountainous terroir.

THE VINTAGE:
Following a trouble-free winter, spring brought high rainfall, which replenished the ground water reserves. The summer was hot and dry allowing the grapes to reach excellent maturity. The autumn was dry, bringing good conditions for harvest.

ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
The grapes are sourced from a single vineyard called ‘Plataies’, located in Plataea, a small village at the foot of the Kitheronas Mountain, in Central Greece. The vineyard is situated at an altitude of 250 to 320 metres elevation and during the autumn and winter months cool air masses blow down from the mountains, carrying dew which refreshes the vineyard with crucial humidity. Cold winters, hot summers and long, dry autumns combine with long periods of sunshine to enable the grapes to reach excellent maturity and complexity. The Savatiano variety is suited to the hot, dry climate as it has excellent drought resistant properties. The grapes for this wine come from old vines of 40 to 60 years, which are pruned according to the traditional Gobelet style and produce low yields of concentrated fruit.

THE WINEMAKING PROCESS:
The fruit underwent strict selection in the vineyard and again in the cellar. The grapes were destemmed, crushed and the free-run must was cold macerated with skin contact for six hours. Fermentation took place with selected yeasts at controlled temperatures of 14°C in stainless steel tanks to preserve the purity of fruit. The wine was rested on its fine lees, with bâtonnage adding texture and complexity for three months.

OUR TASTING NOTES:
Made from the native Savatiano grape, this offers a complex and aromatic bouquet of ripe peach, quince, creamy vanilla and an intriguing hint of Turkish delight. Dry with perfectly balanced freshness, intense notes of grapefruit, pepper, ginger and wild mint lead to a long and spicy finish.

GRAPE VARIETY:
Savatiano 100%.