AGIORITIKO ABATON Mount Athos P.G.I. Gold Selection Bio 2013

Description

Deep ruby red color with great intensity. Bold aromas of small dark fruits, spices and vanilla on the nose. Dry palate, with well-structured tannins and a full body. Complex aromas of ageing, coffee and bitter chocolate accompany the fruity and spicy character. Aftertaste is long, complex and impressive.

Awards

Gold AWC Vienna

Certificates

Vinification

The grapes are handpicked and sorted on a conveyor belt before crush Two-days pre fermentation cold soak at 8-10°C Alcoholic fermentation for a period of 15-20 days at controlled temperatures of no more than 25°C Traditional red vinification in open oak vats (50 hl); this traditional “Mount Athos Vinification Technique” supplies the grape must with enough oxygen for fermentation and imparts a rich aroma and smooth taste that is enhanced by ageing Malolactic fermentation in open oak vats The final blend is made five months after harvest and the last racking takes place about six months later. The wine is filtered very lightly.

Vineyard

The wines from the Athonite region carry the appellation of Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) Mount Athos. The delimited area of the zone is located within the administrative boundaries of Athos peninsula, as well as the area of Ouranoupolis in the Stagira Akanthou municipality. It comprises vineyards extending either near the seacoast or on the slopes of the mountain at an altitude up to 400 meters.

One of the most outstanding trademarks of the Athonite vineyard is the fact that the land is completely isolated cloaked by beautifull chestnut, pine trees and other mediterranean forest, as well as the sea. At the same time the monastic life dictates a profound respect for the environment; the harmonious interaction of traditional farming practices and forestry is linked to the stringent observance of monastic rules over the course of centuries. Therefore, Mount Athos can be defined as the textbook of 100% organic farming.

The main characteristics of the Tsantali vineyard in Mount Athos: Location: Metoxi (me-toh-hee) Chromitsa at Saint Panteleimon Monastery Total area: 70 hectares aprox. of 100% certified organic farming since 2003 Exposure: Southeastern Altitude: 200-300 meters / the main volume of the vineyard is between 220 – 250 meters above sea level Climate: Typical Mediterranean

Maturation

Maturation: 16 months in oak barrels 300Lt Barrels: 100% French oak (50% first fill – 50% 2nd and 3rd fill) Further ageing in bottle for at least 12 months before release