2018 Oenops Aplá (Απλά) Rosé

Region: Drama < Macedonia < Greece                   

Grapes: Xinomavro, Limniona, Cab Sauv

Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Certified biodynamic farming; whole-cluster Xinomavro + Limniona free run juice fermented in stainless and concrete; cab fermented in amphora; juice rests in large neutral oak barrel until bottling unfined/unfiltered with minimal added SO2; 12.5% ABV

Winemaker: Nikos Karatzas

 From a newish winery in near the coast in Macedonia from a winemaker leading the charge against the new oak/Robert Parker style of wine to which much of Greece had fallen victim.  He has abandoned the PDO and PGI regulations to focus on exploring the different terroirs of his homeland in an effort to bring out the character of the varieties with minimal intervention in the winery.  This is fresh and breezy Provençal-style rosé, with Mediterranean herb, tomato, and savory notes and a kiss of salt spray on the finish.