Wine: Dry Rosé.
Varietal composition: Fokiano 100%.
Protected Geographical Indication (PGI): Ikaria
Region/Vine domain: Ikaria/Rahes
Vinification: Destemming without pressing. The grape juice remains with the pomace for 3 hours. After that, it is pressed and cold soaked and then it is fermented in a controlled environment inside a closed stainless steel tank at a temperature lower than 12°C. After the end of the fermentation and the primary removal of sediment, the wine is stirred with its noble lees every 10 days for 3 months until it is finally bottled.
Aging: Icarus rosé is susceptible to aging of at least 10 years. While aging its flavor characteristics improve, concluding to blackberry marmalade. Most of its crisp remains as well as its vivid aftertaste.
Production: 1300 bottles
Best consumed now.
ICARUS DRY ROSE 2004 from Ikaria
This wine expresses a rare and mature side of Fokiano. It is not a simple fresh rosé. Instead, it is an aged dry rosé with structure, tannic intensity and a deep gastronomic character. Therefore, ICARUS DRY ROSE 2004 suits wine lovers who look for a rosé with history, depth and evolution.
ICARUS DRY ROSE 2004 and 100% Fokiano
Fokiano gives this wine deeper color, intense fruit and natural structure. In this aged expression, the variety shows wild strawberry, black forest fruits, plum and spicy notes. In addition, its tannic character makes ICARUS DRY ROSE 2004 feel closer to a gastronomic rosé than to a light summer wine.
Careful cool-temperature vinification
The vinification begins with destemming without pressing. Then, the grape juice remains with the pomace for 3 hours, gaining color, aroma and structure. After that, the grapes are pressed, cold soaked and fermented in a closed stainless-steel tank below 12°C. This process helps the wine preserve freshness and a clear varietal expression.
Lees ageing for texture
After fermentation and the first sediment removal, the wine is stirred with its noble lees every 10 days for 3 months. This practice adds texture, volume and extra complexity. At the same time, it helps the wine develop a fuller mouthfeel and a longer finish.
Taste profile of ICARUS DRY ROSE 2004
In the glass, this wine shows a dark ruby tile color with brown reflections and long-lasting legs. On the nose, it offers a strong animal character, wild strawberry and black forest fruits. On the palate, it feels tannic, warm and crisp, with spicy almond, strawberry and plum jam. The aftertaste is deep, long and persistent.
Food pairing ideas
You can pair this dry rosé wine with seabass ceviche, rabbit stew, roasted rooster with red sauces, grilled vegetables and linguine with pink dressing. Moreover, its structure makes it suitable for sweet-and-sour dishes, red sauces, ripe vegetables and richer Mediterranean flavors.
Serving and ageing
Serve ICARUS DRY ROSE 2004 at 14°C. This temperature keeps the wine fresh while allowing its mature aromas and tannic structure to show clearly. The wine is best consumed now, as it has already developed its aged and complex personality.
A rare aged rosé from Afianes Wines
With only a few bottles available, ICARUS DRY ROSE 2004 is a collectible choice for natural wine lovers, sommeliers and customers searching for rare Greek rosé wines with age. To explore more wines from the same category, visit the Rose Wines collection. For winery stories and rare releases from Ikaria, follow Afianes Wines on Instagram.
