Oenops, 'Apla' White

A deliciously textured blend of Greek varietals with aromas of tropical fruit, together with stone fruits and delicate floral notes, all balanced by a lovely freshness. 

Producer Note

Oenops was founded in 2015 by talented winemaker Nikos Karatzas, who operating as a négociant, produces a stunning range of distinctive wines from his newly established state-of-the-art winery. He sources indigenous and rare grape varieties grown on exceptional terroir focussing on cool-climate sites and old-vine plots, from carefully selected vineyards in Drama and Macedonia, which have been cultivated by ambitious winegrowers using an organic philosophy. Niko adopts a minimal intervention approach, and vinifies plot by plot using stainless steel, concrete, oak barrels and amphora. His aim is to source great fruit and craft wines that reflect the nuances of the native varieties and the identity from the terroir and as a result, he produces a collection of authentic, elegant and delicious wines.

Vineyard

The grapes come from a range of specially selected vineyards across Northern Greece, particularly from cool-climate regions, where the Mediterranean climate is tempered by strong continental influences. Diurnal temperature differences allow the grapes to build complex flavours while retaining refreshing natural acidity. The vines are trained using a variety of methods, which have been tailored to suit the variety, vigour of the vine and the terroir, however most are Double Cordon, to keep yields low and concentrate the flavours in the fruit. The majority of the vineyards are cultivated following organic principles, although they are not certified, and all grapes are hand-harvested in the cool of the morning to retain freshness. 

Winemaking

The grapes were chilled down to 5°C, carefully sorted and then the majority were gently pressed in a pneumatic press to release the juice. A small proportion of the fruit was vinified as whole clusters, to impart complexity. Fermentation took place with selected yeasts with each plot being vinified separately. The wine spent two to four months ageing on the fine lees in stainless steel tanks to retain the pure flavours.

Tasting Note

A deliciously textured blend of Greek varietals with aromas of tropical fruit, together with stone fruits and delicate floral notes, all balanced by a lovely freshness. 

Grape

Malagousia 50%, Assyrtiko 30%, Vidiano 20%