NATURAL ORANGE 2020 - ANATOLIKOS VINEYARDS

It was the first time that this thing happened in Greece. No one could be certain about the results. Many have disputed it. Others have followed their steps. Natural Orange 2020 of Anatolikos Vineyards is here and it is amazing! From the very first moment we knew what a special and intriguing wine it was. With incredible complexity, amazing evolutionary potential, Natural Orange of Anatolikos Vineyards is top in all these categories. In confirmation, it has recently gained the tittle of the best natural white wine in Greece, achieving the highest score in a blind tasting by 6 of the most acclaimed Greek sommeliers.

The combination of Asyrtiko and Malagouzia is one of the most classic Greek white blends. Not this one! Marios and Sakis Nikolaidis, decided to change everything with a natural orange wine that pushes the two varieties to their limits. For Natural Orange of Anatolikos Vineyards they used Asyrtiko and Malagouzia from the waterless vines on the sandy hills with the loose granite soil of Choirodasos in Avdira of Xanthi.

What is so special about it? The fermentation took place in a clay amphora where the wine then remained with the skins for 270 days! Only indigenous wild yeasts (not commercial) were used for the fermentation and no sulphites were applied at any stage of the process.

Without any filtration or adjustments, Natural Orange was bottled in a few beautiful bottles. If you had tasted the 2019 vintage, prepare yourself for an even greater tasting experience, since the 2020 vintage is even more aromatic, even more intense and balanced.

It has light amber color, with orange shades.

Nose of high aromatic intensity with predominantly honeyed fruits such as apricot, lotus, orange, bitter orange, peach and citrus. After a while, yeasty notes such as brioche, tsoureki, and sour dough and spicy notes like cardamom and nutmeg make their appearance. Its earthly substance is revealed with notes of wet soil and white tea.

In the palate it is medium (+) bodied, with medium (+) acidity, intense oily feeling and soft but noticeable tannins. Sweet orange, candied bitter orange, kumquat, bergamot,  brioche, cardamom, apricot jam, peach compote, green tea, butter and hazelnuts compose an incredibly complex, delicious and elegant set. Citrus aftertaste that is almost endless…