Wine: Natural Red dry.
Varietal composition: Fokiano 100%.
Protected Geographical Indication (P.G.I.): Ikaria.
Vineyard: Ikaria , Raches , Profitis Ilias 1,5ha, age of grapevines 50 and 10 years old, yield 25 hl/ha, organic cultivation, altitude 600 m. Sandy clay soil from decomposed granite rock with low pH and high concentration in minerals and micronutrients.
Vinification: Traditional local method, with grapes manually destemmed and squeezed in a winepress made of 5 large granite stones, macerated for 3-5 days and then fermented with their own indigenous yeast in clay jars buried in the earth in a special hold outside the winery. During this process there is no chemical intervention nor added sulphites.
Aging: It is susceptible to long aging.
Production: 1000 bottles
PITHARI DRY RED 2016 from Ikaria
This aged red wine expresses the traditional and earthy side of Fokiano. It comes from the Profitis Ilias area in Raches, at around 600 meters altitude, where mountain freshness, sea breeze and granite-based soils shape a wine with depth, freshness and a strong connection to its place of origin.
PITHARI DRY RED 2016 and 100% Fokiano
Fokiano gives this wine natural color, ripe fruit and a distinctive tannic structure. In addition, the mature 2016 vintage brings deeper notes of cherry, wild cherry, wild herbs and white pepper. Therefore, PITHARI DRY RED 2016 works beautifully for wine lovers who enjoy natural red wines with authenticity, mature complexity and mineral depth.
Traditional pithari winemaking
Afianes Wines vinifies this wine with the ancient winemaking technique of Ikaria. First, the grapes are manually destemmed and pressed in a winepress made of large granite stones. Then, the must stays with the skins for three to five days. After that, fermentation continues with indigenous yeasts in clay jars buried in the earth, in a special area outside the winery.
Natural character and minimal intervention
The winemaking process uses no mechanical intervention and no filtration. This approach preserves the personality of Fokiano and allows the wine to express the vineyard, the soil and its natural energy. Moreover, minimal intervention gives the wine a more authentic texture and a vivid character in the glass.
Taste profile of PITHARI DRY RED 2016
In the glass, this wine shows a mature terroir-driven character. On the nose, it offers ripe cherry, white pepper, earthy notes and a clear sense of granite rock. On the palate, it feels mineral, evolving and structured, with soft tannins and a long finish. At the same time, the wet granite aftertaste gives the wine depth, tension and strong identity.
Food pairing ideas
You can pair this wine with sweet-and-sour dishes, large fresh fish with herbs, meats with wild greens and rabbit stew. It also works beautifully with traditional Mediterranean dishes such as giouvetsi, stuffed peppers and tomatoes, dolma, soufiko and magirio. Because of its mineral character and soft tannins, it can accompany rich dishes without feeling heavy.
Serving and aging
Serve PITHARI DRY RED 2016 at 16–18°C. This temperature highlights the ripe fruit, tannins and earthy complexity of the wine. Also, give it a few minutes in the glass so the mature aromas can open gradually. Thanks to its structure and natural acidity, the wine is suitable for long aging under proper cellar conditions.
Discover more red wines from Afianes
Finally, PITHARI DRY RED 2016 belongs to the red wine world of Afianes Wines, where Fokiano, traditional vinification and the terroir of Ikaria shape every bottle. To explore more wines from the same category, visit the Red Wines collection. For winery moments, pairings and stories from Ikaria, follow Afianes Wines on Instagram.
