Karanika 2022 Cuvee Rose' Brut

The Wine

From the Amyndeon Plateau in Greece, this biodynamic sparkling wine features a brilliant pink color and enticing aromas of red fruits (strawberry, raspberry), wet chalk and citrus zest. From original-rooted vines (i.e., ungrafted, the vines growing on their own root stock - very rare!) of 98% Xinomavro (ZEE no MAHV dho) and 2% Limniona, combining innovation and tradition in this méthode traditionnelle sparkling wine (a wine made in the tradition of Champagne). The soils are a mix of 60% sand and 40% clay, contributing to the wine’s mineral backbone and aromatic lift.

The wine opens with aromas of wild strawberries and raspberries, chalk and subtle spice notes. The palate displays a good structure of mouth-watering crispness and a whisper of tannin from the red grapes, but it finishes with a clean citrus note. A fine and persistent bead of bubbles from the secondary fermentation in bottle and then aging sur latte for 9 to 18 months. With just 2 grams of residual sugar and an alcohol level of 11.8%, the wine is classified as Brut, though its dryness and tension could easily place it in the Brut Zero category.

Pairings: Brie on herb crostini, lobster pasta with lemon, or truffle fries alongside a gourmet burger

The Winery

Karanika's vineyards in Amyndeon (northern Greece), at 2133 feet above sea level. The estate is certified organic and practices regenerative viticulture, using such old but now innovative techniques such as essential oil sprays, teas, and kaolin to protect vines during heatwaves.

Winemaking is meticulous and extends the family's commitment to low intervention  - grapes are hand-harvested, partially destemmed, and macerated for two hours before fermentation in stainless steel. Only free-run juice is used, and fermentation lasts about a month.

The second fermentation takes place in bottle using the traditional method, with aging sur latte (a cool-sounding term for aging in the bottle with the spent yeast cells - a key to great sparkling wines) for at least 12 months. The wine is unfiltered/unfined, and avoided malolactic fermentation to preserve its freshness and tension. Sulfur is added minimally—just 15 mg/L—and each bottle is disgorged by hand, with the date handwritten on the label.

With an annual production of just 1,300 cases, Karanika’s Cuvée Rosé Brut is a rare and expressive sparkling wine connecting Greek traditions and Champagnoise craftsmanship.