Sclavos Orgion 2022

Sclavos works on the island of Cephalonia in Greece's Ionian Islands, where Evangelos Sclavos has farmed organically since 1986 and biodynamically since 1996, the year he produced the first dry red from the Mavrodaphne grape, long used for sweet fortified wines. The island's limestone soils and maritime climate, with sea breezes and bright sunshine, give the wine its freshness and a saline character, while the warm days build ripe fruit. This is a natural wine, made with minimal intervention, and it ages twelve months in oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange softens the tannins and adds a savoury frame without dominating the grape. It pours a deep ruby. The nose shows red berries and plum over earthy, herbal and peppery tones, with a briny, saline lift that marks its coastal origin. The palate is medium bodied, the fruit carried by fresh acidity, fine tannins and a savoury, mineral finish. This is a distinctive expression of a rare grape from a defining producer. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees with roast lamb, grilled meats or aged cheese.