Halkidiki, Macedonia (Northern Greece)

Domaine Porto Carras

In Halkidiki, where the verdant PDO region of the Slopes of Meliton meets the sea, lies Domaine Porto Carras. It was a vision created in 1963 by Yiannis Carras, and by 1973 was a functioning winery. Mr. Carras brought on the forefather of modern winemaking, Emile Peynaud, to be the oenologist for the estate, and the winery soon became renowned as the team experimented with ancient indigenous varietals, as well as international varietals. Currently Domaine Porto Carras is the largest organic winery in Greece with a 700 hectare vineyard that is contiguous. They are well-known for quality and exceptional care of the vineyard and currently have 23 varietals under cultivation.

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Assyrtiko

Varietal/Blend

Assyrtiko 100%

Notes

Bright straw, blonde color, delicate citrus aromas, roasted nuts and lemon. Typically fruity character of Northern Greece Assyrtiko but more crisp on the palate with zesty acidity and high minerality since the vineyards are near the sea.

Food Pairing

Baked herb chicken with a lemon sauce, light white fish and goat cheese crostinis.

Additional

Available in kegs. From Organic Vineyards.

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Chateau Le Grand Blanc

Varietal/Blend

Malagousia 40%, Assyrtiko 30%, Limnio 30%

Notes

Skin contact at low temperature and classic vinification process for the white varieties, Malagousia and Assyrtiko, "blanc de noir" vinification process for the red one, Limnio, in stainless steel vats, using selected yeasts at low temperature. The final blend aged on its lees with periodical stirring in new French oak barrels for 9 months. Complex nose with fine aromas of citrus, white-fleshed fruit, aroma of acacia flowers, chamomile, hazelnut with hints of toasted bread and white pepper.

Food Pairing

Grilled white fish, braised artichokes and a Greek salad.

Additional

From Organic Vineyards.

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Limneon

Varietal/Blend

Limnio 100%

Notes

Deep ruby color. Aromas of ripped forest fruits, notes of vanilla, leather and black pepper. Well structured and velvet in mouth with intense aromas of black berried fruits and rounded sweet tannins.

Food Pairing

Pot roast with carrots and caramelized onions or eggplant lasagna

Additional

Available in Keg format. From Organic Vineyards.

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Limnio Blanc de Noir

Varietal/Blend

Limnio 100%

Notes

Bright straw color, light citrus aromas, honeyed fruits, nuts, and lemon custard. Limnio harvest takes place at mid-September, from the oldest vineyards of the Domaine selecting the highest quality grapes. At the winery the handling of the grapes is careful but swift that the juice is produced early enough so it is not colored by the skins. Aging with lees in French oak for 6 months while periodically stirring.

Food Pairing

Seafood paella, Swordfish with broccolini, cheese board featuring maturated yellow cheeses and warm rosemary bread.

Additional

Organic

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Chateau Porto Carras

Varietal/Blend

Cabernet Sauvigon 50%, Cabernet Franc 30%, Limnio 20%

Notes

An iconic Greek red wine produces for decades. Complex aromas dominated by black berry fruits and cedar. Delicate, smoky, great structure and seamless balance. Excellent quality, rich and long velvety finish. Aged in French oak barrels for 24 months and then in bottles for 10 years in the cellar before released.

Food Pairing

Filet mignon with truffle sauce, rich sauces and chocolate cake

Additional

From Organic Vineyards.

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