A notably expressive semi-sparkling, semi-sweet rose wine with complex aromas, intense flavour of ripened grapes, distinctive and pungent taste. It is produced from the indigenous varieties, Debina and Bekari. The fermentation of the grapes for 10-12 days, depending on the conditions of the year, provides to this traditional wine rich body and aromas. The second fermentation takes place in closed tanks (cuves closes or méthode Charmand) and thus the natural bubbles produced make it stand out from many of its kind. Colour: It reminds us of strawberries with cognac colour nuances and thousands of bright bubbles. Nose: Exuberant aromas of spices and ripe grapes which make it unique. Mouth: Rich taste with velvety body and lots of cool bubbles that highlight the flavour of ripe grapes, spicy notes and traditional character. Particularly complex but well balanced with a few residual sugars and a long aftertaste.
At a glance
GrapeBekari, Debina
RegionNorthern Greece
Grapes
Bekari & Debina
Debina is the white grape of Zitsa, in the mountains of Epirus, where it has been the main variety since at least the 16th century. Its naturally high acidity and low alcohol make it especially suited to sparkling and semi-sparkling wine, traditionally made using the closed-tank (cuve close) method, though it also produces fresh, still whites with apple and pear character.
Producer
In the most remote and distant vinicultural region of Greece, in the North-West of the country, as well as the smallest PDO region to be found in Greece, Glinavos vineyards are located within the Pindos mountain range and around the old town of Zitsa, 17 km NW from the city of Ioannina. They extend to approximately 60 hectares at an altitude of 650-700m, where the climate is predominantly continental with cold, early starting winters, cool summers and a good amount of precipitation. Here, the indigenous grape varieties “Vlahiko”, “Bekari” and above all the white “Debina” grow. “Debina” gives to the zone the privilege to produce wines of Protected Designation of Origin and traditionally sparkling. This sparkling wine style has been produced in the area for centuries and Zitsa receives a notable mention by Lord Byron in his poem “Pilgrimage of Child Harold”, written in 1809, during the poet’s visit to the local monastery.
