Zafeirakis "Microcosmos" Malagousia '21

Greece has so much to offer, and with such stark differences and unique features from one region to another, there is much to explore. In the town of Tyrnavos, in the PGI Tyrnavos area, located in the region of Thessaly in Central Greece, Domaine Zafeirakis has been practicing viticulture for more than 100 years. Christos Zafeirakis, a fourth-generation winemaker, studied enology at the University of Athens, and continued his studies in Italy while he worked for several years in different Italian regions, such as Piedmont, Alto Adige, and Tuscany. In 2005, upon returning from his studies and work in Italy, and following his family’s tradition of wine production, he planted his first organic vineyard and now has a small estate with eight hectares of certified organic vines.

Christos is considered one of the young pioneering Greek winemakers and is widely credited with reviving the indigenous variety Limniona, creating world-class, elegant fine wines while simultaneously maintaining his distinct style. He also works with the indigenous white variety Malagousia, which has a beautiful, natural richness; Christos harvests this grape slightly earlier to retain its freshness, which is crucial for this hot-climate region. He continues to focus on capturing terroir, specifically both of the soil types of the area as well as practicing intensive selection massale, a way of refining the clonal selection to improve his wines year after year.

“Microcosmos” is fermented and aged in large, 2,400-liter oak barrels for 12 months. Full bodied and highly aromatic, with notes of ripe, fresh stone, melon, and citrus fruit, orchard blossoms, and fresh green herbs. Rich and fresh in character, it is balanced by moderate acidity. Enjoy it now, and with various foods, such as seafood, lighter meats, spicy dishes, salads, or even hard-to-pair artichokes.