Discover the unique allure of Akriotou 'Orivatis Wild' Old Vine Savatiano from Sterea Ellada, Greece. Crafted by the accomplished oenologist Vasiliki Akriotou, this wine is a true celebration of the Greek mountainous terroir. The Savatiano grapes are sourced exclusively from the 'Gouriona' vineyard, nestled at the foothills of the Kitheronas Mountain in Plataea, Central Greece. These old vines, aged 60 to 65 years, thrive in rugged terrain and are cultivated using the traditional Gobelet method, producing exceptionally low yields of concentrated fruit. Naturally drought resistant, Savatiano flourishes in the region's unique microclimate characterised by cold winters, hot summers, and dry autumns, ensuring optimum ripeness and complexity.
Precision winemaking meets minimal intervention here. A portion of the grapes is fermented as whole bunches to add depth, while the must undergoes cold maceration and natural yeast fermentation. Extended lees contact and batonnage over 21 months result in a wine of remarkable texture and flavour, bottled unfiltered to fully express the character of this indigenous Greek variety. This is a truly artisanal white wine that captures the essence of its dramatic, high-altitude origins.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Brilliant and vibrant in the glass, this wine displays an attractive pale straw hue with golden highlights, reflecting its careful maturation and old vine pedigree.
Nose:
Aromatically expressive, the wine opens with energising bursts of lemon, delicate honeysuckle, and juicy white peach. Ripe melon and creamy, buttery notes weave through, underpinned by subtle hints of wet stone and a touch of bread crust, resulting in a nose that is both inviting and intriguing.
Palate:
The palate is textured and creamy, delivering concentrated layers of citrus fruits-think zesty lemon and succulent peach-intertwined with nuanced flavours of melon, honey, and a gentle nuttiness. Its mineral backbone, drawn from the mountainous vineyard soils, provides an elegant structure, while a touch of savoury complexity comes through from the extended lees ageing.
Finish:
Long and intense, the finish is marked by persistent notes of honey, mineral freshness, and a whisper of bread, leaving a lasting impression of both elegance and complexity. The wine's crisp natural acidity ensures a mouth-watering, food-friendly style that will delight connoisseurs and newcomers alike.
