Wine: Natural sweet red
Varietal composition: Fokiano variety 100%.
Protected Geographical Indication (PGI): Ikaria
Region/Vine domain: Ikaria | Profitis Ilias (600 m. alt.) and Litani (400 m. alt.) from organic cultivation vines.
Vinification: Dehydration on plants and frames; “Cold soaking” pre-fermentation before sediment is removed. Wild indigenous yeast fermentation in stainless steel tanks (lower than 10° C/80 days). Wine stored in oak barrels for 2 years, where aeration, stirring, & decanting is repeated 4 times, before it is siphoned off in stainless steel tanks for another 2 years. Bottled unfiltered & unfined; only a minimal addition of sulfites upon bottling.
Aging: Susceptible to very long aging.
Production: 500 bottles we made.
TAMA NATURAL SWEET WINE 2009 from Ikaria
This wine expresses the rare sweet side of Fokiano and the ageing power of Ikaria. It is not just a dessert wine. Instead, it is a concentrated and collectible bottle with a strong connection to time, grape maturity and natural winemaking.
TAMA NATURAL SWEET WINE 2009 and 100% Fokiano
Fokiano gives this wine natural intensity, dense body and deep aromatic character. In this natural sweet expression, the variety reveals fig, anama honey, sweet grapes and mature complexity. In addition, acidity balances the sweetness and keeps the wine vibrant, rich and gastronomic.
Noble rot and careful dehydration
Afianes Wines uses a special technique for this vintage. Half of the grapes dehydrate gently on the plants, while the rest dehydrate on frames in an outdoor shaded space. Then, after noble rot has developed, the grapes are pressed. This process gives the wine greater concentration, natural sweetness and a deeper aromatic profile.
Slow fermentation and long ageing
Fermentation takes place in a closed stainless-steel tank below 10°C and lasts 80 days. Then, the wine stays in old oak barrels for 2 years. During this period, aeration, stirring, decanting and return to barrel take place four times. Finally, the wine remains for another 2 years in stainless steel before bottling.
Taste profile of TAMA NATURAL SWEET WINE 2009
In the glass, this wine shows a mellow, deep honey color with dense body and long-lasting legs. On the nose, it offers fig, anama honey and sweet grapes. On the palate, it feels balanced, rich and warm, with grape jam, anama honey and white truffle mushroom notes. Despite its high alcohol, it remains lively, complex and very long.
Food pairing ideas
You can pair this natural sweet wine with caramelized fruit, fruit with honey, fruit salads, chocolate, dried nuts and high-fat cheeses with honey. It also works beautifully as an aperitif or as a dessert wine after a special meal. Moreover, its density and acidity allow it to pair with both sweet and savory flavors.
Serving and ageing
Serve TAMA NATURAL SWEET WINE 2009 at 8–10°C. This temperature keeps the sweetness balanced and highlights the aromas of fig, honey and sweet grapes. In addition, the wine is suitable for very long ageing, so it can develop even more complexity over time.
A rare sweet vintage from Afianes Wines
With only 500 bottles produced and limited availability, TAMA NATURAL SWEET WINE 2009 is a collectible choice for natural wine lovers, sommeliers and customers looking for rare Greek sweet wines. To explore more rare bottles, visit the Red Wines collection. For winery stories and rare releases from Ikaria, follow Afianes Wines on Instagram.
