Papadopoulos Viticulture Basilica 2023

Papadopoulos Viticulture is a family project on the slopes of Mount Olympus in Thessaly, Greece, founded in 2017 in the Rapsani appellation. Basilica is the traditional Rapsani blend of Krassato, Stavroto and Xinomavro, the last of these the structured, tannic grape that gives the wine its savoury backbone. The vineyards sit on the mountain's slopes, where altitude and the cool air coming off Olympus stretch the growing season and preserve acidity and aromatic detail. The farming is organic and the winemaking natural, with native-yeast fermentation that lets the site speak. The wine spends ten months in barrel and four in stainless steel, the wood softening the Xinomavro tannin and adding savoury complexity while the steel keeps the fruit fresh. The colour is ruby red. The nose shows forest berries and plum over dried herbs, black pepper, earth and a leafy, tobacco note. The palate is medium-bodied and structured, with firm but ripe tannin, bright acidity and a long, savoury finish marked by the mountain herbs. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees. It suits roast lamb, grilled meats and mushroom dishes.