Oenosophist white

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: 2011
  • Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc 55% / Ugni Blanc 30% / Semillon 15%
  • Appellation: PGI Drama
  • Alcohol: 13%
  • Bottle: 750ml
  • Viticulture: Low Intervention
  • Vinification: 6 months on its lees in stainless steel, 12 months in French and American oak from trees over 150 years old, 12 months in the bottle
  • Notes: Impressive golden-yellow color, thyme, green tea and quince on the nose, with a perfect balance between thickness and acidity on the palate
  • Files:   

Viticulture

  • Low Intervention / Sustainable
  • Climate: Mediterranean / continental climate with mild Winters and dry Summers
  • Soil: Chalky clay
  • Vine age: Planted between in 1992
  • Altitude: 220m
  • Slope: Plains
  • Planting density: 4,000 plants / ha
  • Yield: 2.3kg / plant
  • Irrigation: Drip & once / twice before harvesting
  • Spraying: 1-2 per season (copper / sulfur)
  • Harvesting: Manual

Vinification

  • Maceration: Stainless steel (16 hours)
  • Yeast: Neutral
  • Malolactic: Blocked through temperature control
  • Maturation: 6 months in stainless steel, 12 months in new French (2/3) and American (1/3) oak, 12 months in the bottle
  • Clarification: Bentonite
  • Filtration: Paper filter
  • Production: 8,000 lt
  • Alcohol: 13%
  • Acidity: 4.50 gr/l
  • RS: 2.10 gr/l
  • Total sulfites: 103 mg/l
  • Certification: –
  • Bottle: 750ml

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.

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.