En Oeno… red

“En Oeno. . .” references Ancient Greek proverb “En Oeno Alethea,” which means “In wine, there is truth.” Since ancient times, Greek wine consumption has led to the revelation of secret verities locked mysteriously inside one’s self.

Grower: Oenogenesis
Vintage: 2011
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon 65% / Merlot 30% / Cabernet Franc 5%
Appellation: PGI Drama
Alcohol: 13.5%
Bottle: 750ml
Viticulture: Sustainable (no spraying of chemicals)
Vinification: Stainless steel tank with extensive stay on its lees, 12 months in 2nd year French oak, 3 years aging in the bottle
Notes: Scarlet color, with fresh red and black fruit and truffle on the nose, medium body with velvety tannins, and a vanilla-soaked apricot aftertaste
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Key Info

Viticulture

Low Intervention
Climate: Mediterranean / continental climate with mild Winters and dry Summers
Soil: Chalky clay
Vine age: Planted between 1992 and 1997
Altitude: 280m
Slope: Plains
Planting density: 4,000 plants / ha
Yield: 2.3kg / plant
Irrigation: Drip twice
Spraying: 5 times (copper / sulfur)
Harvesting: Manual

Vinification

Maceration: 30 days in stainless steel
Yeast: Indigenous, with neutral commercial yeast added at the end of fermentation, temperature control
Pressing: Horizontal pneumatic press
Malolactic: Natural (completed)
Maturation: Stainless steel with 5 months on its lees with regular stirring, 12 months in 2nd-year French oak, 3 years in the bottle
Clarification: Bentonite
Filtration: None
Production: 25,000 lt
Alcohol: 13.5%
Acidity: 4.20 gr/l
RS: 0.90 gr/l
Total sulfites: 92 mg/l
Certification: –
Bottle: 750ml

Winery

Oenogenesis was founded in 2006 and is owned and operated by one of the greatest oenologists of Greece, Bakis Tsalkos.
Bakis was trained and experienced in Montpellier and Bordeaux for most of his life, and returned to Greece in 1985 to adapt his knowledge to the local terroir and grapes. He single-handedly launched the winemaking region of Drama, the youngest of Greece, which dominated the domestic market in the 90’s and early 2000. Drama is known for its elegance and aromatic expression in wines, as well as its optimal terroir for international grapes.
Bakis’ principle is the absence of anything chemical, with as little intervention or spraying in the vineyard, and vinification of the highest standards. Sulfites are kept below organic standards levels. At least 85% of grapes grow in estate owned vineyards.

Region

Drama is situated on the foothills of mountain “Falakro” (literally “bald”, although the locals call it “the mountain of the flowers”). Drama built is in an area full of green and a lot of water. Very beautiful and hospitable, it has many picturesque neighborhoods, large squares, areas with green, and well maintained classic mansions. It is ideal for tourism in the Winter, as well as Fall and Spring excursions out in nature.