For more than 20 years, with a lot of love, persistence on organic methods of cultivation and a spirit of creative experimentation, we have been growing in our island, Ikaria, the two local PGI varieties of grapes Fokiano and Begleri.

In the course of making wines through the years, using different methods and working in experimental vineyards on different altitudes and different microclimates all over the western side of the island, we have noticed that these two, unknown to the rest of the world, varieties of grapes can produce excellent final products, long-lasting and improving with time, both as blended and monovarietal (this is how we make our wines for the last ten years).

The selected wines produced in Afianes Estate are divided in three groups according to the soil, the microclimate, the altitude or the kind of land where each variety is cultivated and the various yields per acre or the methods of vinification.

Τα κρασιά μας

From Fokiano, a variety of grapes which was first mentioned by a European traveler in the 15 th century, we produce a wine with special aroma, long aftertaste and bright ruby color. This variety is cultivated in terraced vineyards all over the island, the soil of which has given to the grape some very special properties. Fokiano makes not too thick clusters of medium-sized berries and its yield per 1.000m² is less than 500 kilos.

During its first two years the Fokiano variety produces fresh, high quality red wines which are characterized mainly by red forest fruit scents (red and white cherries, sour cherries, berries and blackberries). In the following 5 years their flavor evolves to ripe red forest fruit together with spices (usually white pepper), as well as scented shrubs, particularly reminding of the endemic species of Ikaria (rock rose, lemon balm, i.e.).

After 8-10 years this variety offers all of the above in a mixed marmalade flavor, creating wines which stick to the whole cavity of the mouth. From that point on, the wines are thick and their taste reminds a Greek grandma’s spoon sweets and home-made liqueurs. In some cases, they turn to blood-red wines with scents of leather and strong plum liqueurs, depending on vintage. Tasting even one glass of an aged, over five-year- old, Fokiano wine is a worthwhile experience!

The white Begleri variety descends from the Syrian variety “Begler”. However, today it is associated only with Ikaria, as our island is the only place where Begleri is being cultivated during the last hundred years. The wine stands out for its intense aromatic and complex character (citrus scents with a kiwi prominence and tropical fruits), as well as its characteristic crispness. Begleri is cultivated on terraced vineyards located all over the island, and its yield rate reaches 500 kilos/1.000m². It favors light meals, seafood, yellow cheese, and fruits. It is served cool.
With time, the crispness of Begleri wines gets more explosive and then their flavors come to remind of fresh tropical fruit, such as pineapple, kiwi, lime and mango. After 2 years an interesting and pleasing turn takes place towards ripe tropical fruit, thus offering more concise wines with fuller, smoother and thicker bodies. After 5 years, their flavor changes again, this time leaning towards ripe stone fruit, such as nectarine and apricot, as well as peach marmalade.
With the years, as their crispness declines, these white wines change to such extent that distinct elements of liqueur start surfacing. But the most spectacular change appears after a period of ten years when more earthly scents prevail, giving off distinct scents of honeycomb, oyster mushroom and other mushrooms native of Ikaria.

AFIANES NATURAL SPARKLING WINE BEGLERI


750 ml | 12% vol

Occasion: Seafood Night, Special Occasions

Bright gold with long-lasting legs and upward string of sparkles (cordon) that lasts up to 90 min.
Multiple aromatic and tasting layers enhanced by its underwater fermentation and aging process.
Multi-layered and creamy taste with a long-lasting complex finish.

Food pairings: Perfectly paired with coquilles St. Jacques, fresh oysters, and scallops with fresh lemon on top.

ICARUS BLACK DRY RED FOKIANO


750 ml | 13,5% vol

Occasion: BBQ and Game Night

Ruby red color with long lasting legs.

Complex “nose” consisting of ripe red fruits, as well as warm aromas from French oak.

Causes saliva secretion. Rich & warm taste with soft tannins, & flavors of wild cherry and black mulberry during its tasting peak. Soft & long-lasting aftertaste.

Food pairings: High fat and spicy yellow cheeses, bbq and grilled boar or lamb with roasted potatoes with rosemary and thyme. Red spicy sauces with entrecote and bon fillet.
Best served at 16-18°C.

ICARUS ROSE FOKIANO


750 ml | 14% vol

Occasion: Party Wine

Opaque, natural red-brown color with orange highlights, and long-lasting legs.

Fruity and complex “nose” of forest fruits and herbs; dominant aromas of watermelon, milk caramel, rose, and herbs.

Unexpected and surprising taste of white pepper, dried fruits, and Ikarian brushwood. Its full body balances perfectly with its cooling acidity and its high minerality.

Light dishes, as well as seafood cooked in red sauces.
Traditional Greek and Asian cuisine with sweet and sour tastes.
Best served at 10-12°C in the summer and 16°C in the winter.

LITANI DRY WHITE BEGLERI


750 ml | 13,5% vol

Occasion: Party Wine

Opaque, natural red-brown color with orange highlights, and long-lasting legs.

Fruity and complex “nose” of forest fruits and herbs; dominant aromas of watermelon, milk caramel, rose, and herbs.

Unexpected and surprising taste of white pepper, dried fruits, and Ikarian brushwood. Its full body balances perfectly with its cooling acidity and its high minerality.

Light dishes, as well as seafood cooked in red sauces.
Traditional Greek and Asian cuisine with sweet and sour tastes.
Best served at 10-12°C in the summer and 16°C in the winter.Occasion: Date Night or Ladies Night

Slightly cloudy with long lasting legs due to its unusually high alcohol content (13.5 vol%).

A sweet sensation with predominant aromas of white mushrooms and stone fruits.

Its saltiness, sweet aftertaste, and high acidity perfectly balance out the aromas of quince and buttermilk caramel.

Oven-baked lamb with potatoes, lemon, and rosemary, grilled fish, sea fruits and oysters, high-fat yellow cheeses, pasta with white sauce, as well as fillets of white meats.

PITHARI DRY WHITE WINE


750 ml | 12,2% vol

Occasion: Dinner for Two

Cloudy with a bright gold color.

Smoky, grapefruit, and earthy scents (such as first rain and wet granite), and mushrooms.

A pure terroir wine; very complex, rich in minerals, with an evolving taste, and a unique flavor. Hints of wild herbs, tobacco, citrus fruits, and a wet granite finish.

Mollusks, seashells, oysters, clams and grilled medium or high-fat fish. Smoked and camembert cheeses, as well as wild vegetables with lemon.
Best served at 10-12°C.

PITHARI DRY RED WINE FOKIANO


750 ml | 12,5% vol

Occasion: Meeting with Friends

Opaque, natural red-brown color with orange highlights, and long-lasting legs.

Ripe forest fruits such as cherry, lychee, and blackberry in spoon sweet.

Flavors of sour cherry and wild cherry dominate; intense minerality, with a wet granite finish.

Sweet & sour dishes, meats with wild greens, rabbit stew and some traditional dishes such as Giouvetsi (baked meat with pasta), Gemista (stuffed peppers & tomatoes) Dolma, Soufiko, and Magirio.

PSARONIKOLAS WHITE DRY BEGLERI


750 ml | 11,5% vol

Occasion: Family Gathering

Bright gold color with silver highlights.

Rich aromas of stone and tropical fruits; anama honey, ripe pineapple, kiwi, and banana dominate.

Dry mouth with dynamic acidity, and a peach jam finish.

Grilled fish, mushrooms, white fatty sauces, white meat in lemon sauce, and yellow cheeses.

ΤΑΜΑ NATURALLY SWEET WINE FOKIANO


500 ml | 16,5% vol

Occasion: Special Gift/Occasion, Aperitif

Amber color with orange highlights.

Intense and rich “nose” with predominant aromas of honey and dried fruits.

Rich and warm, its high acidity balancing its high alcohol content. Long-lasting aftertaste with hints of dried herbs and truffle mushrooms.

Served as an aperitif, and a dessert. Paired with caramelized fruits, fruits with honey, Foie gras, fruit salads, chocolate, dried nuts, and high-fat cheeses with honey. Served at 8-10°C.