🌿 "Assyrtiko in Anthesis", Charalamboglou
Producer: Charalamboglou
Region: Serres / Macedonia
Country: Greece
Grape Composition: 100% Assyrtiko
ABV: 13.5%
Key Wine Profile
- Winemakers: Handled by Anthi Charalaboglou and her partner Matt Van Der Spuy (a New Zealand winemaker), who blend traditional Greek heritage with low-intervention, New World techniques.
- Terroir: Crafted from 100% dry-farmed Assyrtiko grapes planted in clay soils at an altitude of 220 meters above sea level.
- Vinification: 85% of the juice is cold-fermented in stainless steel tanks to retain absolute crispness and fruit purity. The remaining 15% undergoes wild fermentation in new 300L Acacia wood barrels, which adds a beautifully rounded texture and complex flavor depth without masking the grape's natural identity.
- The Name: "Anthesis" refers to the botanical phase of a plant's blossoming, reflecting the wine's vibrant, spring-like aromatic freshness.
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Very pale lemon yellow featuring light golden reflections.
- Nose: Refined and unique bouquet balancing fresh oyster shell, wet stone minerality, white flowers, citrus, and sweet rock melon.
- Palate: Balanced high acidity with a surprisingly creamy mouthfeel. It bursts with flavors of grapefruit, ripe lemon, dried apricot, and honeydew melon, trailing into a long, mineral finish layered with rich notes of brioche and volcanic flintiness.
- ABV: 13%.
Gastronomic Pairings
Due to its robust structure and precise acidity, this wine pairs beautifully with high-flavor coastal or rich continental dishes:
- Seafood: Raw shellfish, oysters, grilled octopus, calamari, or a seafood risotto.
- Fish: Grilled white fish served with rich, creamy, or tomato-based sauces.
- Meats & Cheese: Traditional Greek lemon lamb (arnaki lemonato) or rich, fatty cheeses.