In my previous post (more here [1]) I, quite extensively, discussed the synthesis of producers and wine styles in one of the most promising Greek terroirs. Tinos island. This is exactly what I find intriguing about the island. Since terroir is more or less shared, in Falatados in particular, – as it consists of granitic free drained sand - the excitement arises from the different philosophies of the producers, and how each one tries to express the varieties.
Assyrtiko and Mavrotragano have paved the way mainly due to the Clos Stegasta wines of the Toinos winery, that have created a cult following. Nevertheless, there is a discussion over other local grapes such as Aspro Potamisi, Mavro Potamisi, Koumariano and Rozaki, the latter a table grape now allowed to be vinified. In the future, these may add some extra spice to the excitement, but, at this point, it is too early to judge. Time will tell.
What to try:
Domaine de Kalathas Vorias 2017
Rozaki planted with northern exposure, matured on the lees for 8 months, no battonage and 12.5% abv from 60-150 years old crawling vines. Fresh herbal and distinctive, with soft acid and roundness.
Domaine de Kalathas 10+12 2017
Aspro Potamisi from Livaderi up to 200 years old from Kalathas and Mirsini regions. Golden coloured with fresh almond and guava in the nose. Fat and fresh this is a distinctive, gastronomic and delicious wine. Among my favourites from Jerome Binda.
Domaine de Kalathas Sainte-Obéissance 2017
14.5% abv, this is a blend of Aspro Potamisi and table grape Rozaki. Old vines. Mostly ripe and exotic on the nose with a honeyed finish. 2.500 bottles in total.
Domaine de Kalathas Sainte-Obéissance 2016
Still on the lees with 7.5 grams of residual sugar and 14.2% abv. Sweetness is well balanced by the wine’s iodine finish. Very textural and rewarding wine with an impressive evolution in time.
Domaine de Kalathas Kokkinaki 2017
A blend of native Koumariano, Koundoura (Mandilaria) and Mavro Potamisi in a light red style. Charming nose, strawberries and roses. Intriguing on the palate, refined and peppery, a perfect summer wine.
A note on the wines of Kalathas: The wines of Jerome Binda are constantly evolving improving year by year due to the restless character of Binda. What is more important is that he decided to work with old vines and varieties such as Aspro Potamisi that have so far very little expressed and worked with.