Αthiri 2024

Winemaker’s Notes
Athiri is the indigenous grape of Rodos Island. The terroir we use to produce this label is a high altitude old ungrafted vineyard with limestone ground giving a mineral layered Athiri with complexity crispy acidity stone fruits deepness and long after taste
Vineyard
These historic vineyards, planted in the 1920s by Italian occupiers of Rodos Island, boast pre-phylloxera vines with European root systems. The Athiri grapevines, grown at an elevation of 950m on the limestone slopes of Mount Attaviros, are a unique expression of this terroir. Our harvest begins in early September, nearly a month after other Athiri vineyards have been picked. The dramatic temperature shifts between day and night help to preserve the grape’s natural acidity, while the limestone soil lends minerality to the wine. Furthermore, the high-altitude location exposes the grapes to strong UV which prompts the production of more aromatic compounds that protect the fruit from sun damage. All of these factors contribute to the singular character of our vineyard and the exceptional quality of our wine.
Production protocol of Athiri
The production of Athiri wine is a careful and meticulous process that involves several steps to ensure the highest quality of the final product. After the grapes are hand-picked in 20kg baskets, they are refrigerated for 24 hours to preserve their freshness. The next day, the grapes are destemmed in a press filled with dry ice, and a cold soak of around 3 hours is performed to extract maximum aroma from the skin. This results in a wine that is perfect for summer. The press is worked until 0.9 atm, and the juice is then sent to a tank at a temperature of 6-9°C. The tank is kept at 5°C for a day or two, allowing all solid parts to settle at the bottom. To begin fermentation, wild yeast is added to the clean must, requiring 0 ppm of sulfites to work. After two or three days, the main yeast is added, which will continue and complete the fermentation. The fermentation temperature is maintained at 12-14°C, and it can take anywhere from 15 to 45 days, depending on the specific case. Following fermentation, the wine is aged on the lees for 6 months at a temperature of 10-12°C. After this process, the yeast is removed, and tartaric acid stabilization is performed at a temperature of -3°C. After two weeks, a light filtration is performed, and the wine is then bottled. We use very low amounts of sulfites in our production process and never use any animal by-products such as egg whites, gelatin, or fish glue to stabilize proteins. Instead, we use bentonite. Our production process adheres to the organic protocol, which also makes our wine suitable for vegans, in accordance with European law for organic wine production. By following these rigorous production methods, we ensure that every bottle of Athiri is of the highest quality possible.
Organoleptic profile of Athiri
This wine has a vibrant, light yellow color with a brilliant green hue that is characteristic of its variety. The aroma is intensely fragrant and evokes a range of sensations that are both playful and sophisticated. Notes of ripe stone fruit, such as luscious apricot and juicy peach, are balanced by a rich minerality that speaks to the terroir of the vineyard. On the palate, this wine dances with a lively acidity that quickly balances the sweetness of the alcohol, creating a silky-smooth mouthfeel that finishes with a lingering aftertaste of minerality and freshness. The wine’s roundness and depth are a testament to the careful and attentive winemaking that went into its production, creating an overall experience that is both complex and approachable. Its elegance is sure to impress even the most seasoned wine connoisseur, making it a true gem among the world’s great wines.