Wine: Dry white
Variety composition: Begleri 100%
Protected Geographical Indication (IGP): Ikaria
Vineyards: Ikaria, Raches, Patissa 2 ha, prephylloxeric, plant age 100+ years, organic cultivation, altitude 800 m. Granite soil with low pH and high concentration in metals and trace elements.
Winemaking: Traditional, manual deposturing, pressure inside the granite press on foot, stay for 3 to 5 days and continuation of the fermentation with the indigenous yeasts in jars dug into the earth outside. Without mechanical interventions and filtering, only a minimal saturation before bottling.
Aging: Susceptible to long aging.
Production: 1.300 bottles.
PITHARI DRY WHITE 2017 from Ikaria
This rare white wine expresses the connection between Begleri, old Ikarian vineyards and traditional clay pithari winemaking. Moreover, the 2017 vintage brings a more mature and layered character than a young white wine. As a result, the wine speaks not only of grape variety and terroir, but also of time.
A rare aged vintage
PITHARI DRY WHITE 2017 belongs to a limited category of aged Greek natural white wines. Most white wines reach the market young, yet this bottle has had years to evolve. Therefore, it offers more depth, more complexity and a different emotional value. It is a wine for collectors, sommeliers and customers who want something truly uncommon.
Begleri with maturity and depth
Begleri gives the wine freshness, acidity and mineral structure. Over time, these elements help the wine develop layered aromas and a more complex mouthfeel. In this aged expression, the variety moves beyond simple citrus freshness and can reveal deeper notes of dried fruit, honey, herbs, earth, wet stone and subtle oxidative complexity.
Natural pithari winemaking
Afianes Wines is known for traditional natural vinification in clay pitharia. This approach allows the wine to develop texture, structure and a strong sense of place. In addition, minimal intervention helps preserve the authentic personality of the grape and the vineyard. For that reason, PITHARI DRY WHITE 2017 feels alive, expressive and closely connected to Ikaria.
Taste profile of PITHARI DRY WHITE 2017
In the glass, this aged white wine can show a deeper golden color and a mature aromatic profile. On the nose, it may offer citrus peel, dried herbs, honeyed notes, wet granite, earth and gentle nutty hints. On the palate, it feels dry, textured and complex. At the same time, its acidity keeps the wine balanced and gastronomic.
Food pairing ideas
You can pair this wine with dishes that have depth and elegance. For example, it works beautifully with grilled fish, shellfish, oysters, clams, mushrooms, smoked cheeses, camembert, aged cheeses and wild greens with lemon. In addition, it can accompany refined Mediterranean dishes where herbs, salinity and texture play an important role.
Serving recommendation
Serve PITHARI DRY WHITE 2017 at 11–13°C. This temperature helps the wine keep freshness while allowing its mature aromas to open. Also, give it a few minutes in the glass before tasting. Because this is an aged natural wine, it may change beautifully as it breathes.
A collectible bottle from Afianes Wines
With only 18 bottles available at 170€ each, PITHARI DRY WHITE 2017 is not an everyday wine. Instead, it is a rare cellar-release bottle for people who appreciate old vintages, natural winemaking and the unique terroir of Ikaria. To explore more bottles from the same family, visit the White Wines collection. For winery moments, rare releases and stories from Ikaria, follow Afianes Wines on Instagram.
