Siflogo Chlori 2021

Dionysis Papanikolopoulos, a teacher and poet, has made wine on the Ionian island of Lefkada since 1994, working with his wife Maria and son Vasilis to cultivate the island's native grapes. This wine comes from Chlori, a rare local variety, made in the orange style. Skin contact during fermentation draws light colour, gentle tannin and texture from the grape skins, giving the amber tint and a subtle grip while keeping the island's bright fruit and salinity to the fore. The maritime climate, with sea breezes and sunshine, ripens the fruit while preserving acidity, and ageing for five months in stainless steel rather than wood keeps the wine fresh and primary. Farming is natural and organic, with native yeasts. The wine is bright amber. The nose is fragrant, with orange blossom and sweet apricot over white flowers, citrus peel and a light herbal, spiced note. The palate is mellow and fresh, the skin contact giving soft grip while a clear saline edge carries a clean finish. Serve well chilled at 9 to 11 degrees.