Zitsa, Epirus

Zoinos Winery

Zoinos Winery is the cooperative winery of the mountainous town of Zitsa. Vineyards here are located on steep slopes at high elevations of between 600-900m on the west slopes of the Pindos Mountains. This is Greece’s top sparkling wine region and they use indigenous varietals, such as Debina. This versatile white grape has recently been used to make the wineries’ orange wine which has become popular in US markets.

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Debina Respect

Varietal/Blend

Debina 100%

Notes

Aromas of dried fruits, marmalade of citrus, citrus, honey, spices. Gentle tannins, balanced acidity. The Debina grape is selected from vineyards in the hilly region of Zitsa and at an altitude of 700 meters above sea level. The grapes are macerated and skin is left in during fermentation which results in the particular amber color. The vinification follows the tradition of the region, where the marc is fermented with the must at low temperature with the wild yeast for 40 days in stainless steel. After the wine ages 40% in French oak barrels (30% new, 70% used) and 60% in concrete vats for 4 months. Then it is blended together into the concrete vats for another 1-2 months before bottling.

Food Pairing

Thai green curry, citrus marinated chicken with capers, and dark chocolate ginger cookies.

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Aurelia

Varietal/Blend

Debina 50%, Vlahiko 25%, Bekari 25%

Notes

A very complex sparkling rosé with notes of cherries, strawberry and green herbs with tannic structure. This is a refreshing dry, sparkling wine with a dark pink color.

Food Pairing

Grilled pork chops with smoked apples or cherry pie and whipped cream.

Additional

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