Mataroa Gold

A Greek take on the Semillon variety, from the most Bordeaux-like region of Greece, Drama, by the hands of the experienced and French trained vigneron and oenologist, Bakis Tsalkos. A few days of skin contact and lack of manipulation gives the opportunity for terroir expression comparisons of this rare monovarietal dry vinification of the variety.

Grower: Oenogenesis
Vintage: 2022
Grapes: Semillon 100%
Appellation: PGI Drama
Alcohol: 12.50%
Bottle: 750ml
Viticulture: Low Intervention
Vinification: 48-hour skin contact is followed by a first mild press, and matures in stainless steel for 6 months on its fine lees with battonage, until bottled with few sulfites.
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Key Info

Viticulture

Low Intervention
Climate: Mediterranean climate with mild Winters and dry Summers.
Soil: Chalky clay
Vine age: Planted in 2008
Altitude: 210m
Slope: Plains
Planting density: 4,000 plants / ha
Yield: 2.2 kg / plant
Irrigation: Drip, twice in July
Spraying: Twice per season due to heavy rains
Harvesting: Manually with wine sorting on the vine

Vinification

Maceration: 48-hour skin contact in stainless steel
Pressing: Pneumatic press
Temperature Control: None
Fermentation: Alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tank for 24 days
Malolactic: Naturally completed
Maturation: 6 months on its own lees with regular stirring in stainless steel tank
Clarification: None
Filtration: None
Production: 1,575 lt
Alcohol: 12.50%
Acidity: 5.47 gr/l
RS: 0.90 gr/l
Total sulfites: 14.00 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.