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Oenosophist red

Ancient Greek writer Athenaeus definitively detailed the gastronomy of Greece in his great work Deipnosophistae, which loosely translates to “dinner philosophers”. Oenosophist plays on this, means “wine-wise,” and teaches the philosophy of superlative Greek winemaking.

  • Grower: Oenogenesis
  • Vintage: 2009
  • Grapes: Xinomavro 50% / Merlot 50%
  • Appellation: PGI Macedonia
  • Alcohol: 13.50%
  • Bottle: 750ml
  • Viticulture: Low Intervention
  • Vinification: 30 days of maceration, 12 months in stainless steel, 24 months in high-toast French oak, 4 years in the bottle
  • Notes: Deep red color, complex nose of pipe tobacco, truffle oil, dark fruits, tartufo, and sweet spice, with a medium body, multi-layered palate, smooth tannins, sweet and long 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 1987 and 1992
  • Altitude: 280 m
  • Slope: 2%
  • Planting density: 5,000 plants / ha
  • Yield: 2.3kg / plant
  • Irrigation: Drip & once / twice before harvesting
  • Spraying: copper / sulfur (once)
  • Harvesting: Manually in 18 kg cases

Vinification

  • Maceration: 30 days in inox tank
  • Press: Pneumatic
  • Temperature Control: 25°C
  • Yeast: Indigenous, with neutral commercial yeast added at the end of fermentation
  • Malolactic: Naturally completed
  • Maturation: 12 months in stainless steel, 24 months in new high-toast French oak, 4 years in the bottle
  • Clarification: Bentonite
  • Filtration: None
  • Production: 5,000 lt
  • Alcohol: 13.50%
  • Acidity: 4.10 gr/l
  • RS: 0.80 gr/l
  • Total sulfites: 9.0 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.