She overlooks the Ionian Sea from above and has made it clear that she never wants to leave her birthplace. She is classy and cosmopolitan. It is Robola Gentilini, who winks very slyly at Assyrtiko, while in the past challenged Robert Parker for a number of years, who generously gave it 90s!
The Gentilini winery stood out for the experimental vinifications it made since 1984 and had been an inspiration for many winemakers of the time. In 2002 Petros Markantonatos took over and the initial inclination towards organic farming was established. Kefalonia had entered the Greek PDO map with the varieties Mavrodaphni and Robola, but the second one was the most stubborn and did not give its special character anywhere else beyond its island. Especially in its most mountainous and stony areas, exactly where Gentilini oversees 50 hectares of the PDO zone, at an altitude of 650 meters.
For Gentilini Robola, the grapes are harvested from 4 different levels (which perfectly capture the different terroirs) and fermented in 4 different tanks, with 4 different types of yeast and here it is Robola who gives a recital! Its refreshing acidity and characteristic minerality will take you to Santorini, but it’s tropical aromas and fine grace will bring you back home. Its comparison with Assyrtiko, but also with other significant international varieties, is fatal!
Robola Gentilini still holds the banner of quality white Greek varieties, just as it did before Assyrtiko even made waves and the international ones appeared. Now, it has taken its place on the shelves of award-winning French restaurants. And just to know…this is very difficult!
Well, we won't tell you anything else...
