Kanakaris Malagousia High Altitude Vines 2025
Kanakaris Malagousia High Altitude Vines
Region: Peloponnese, Greece
Vintage: 2025
Bottle size: 75cl
Grape: Malagousia
ABV: 12%
This mountainous Malagousia has lifted aromas of Greek herbs, lemon and exotic fruits. The palate is richly textured and aromatic with notes of peach, tropical fruits and white flowers. The finish is lifted by bright acidity and a subtle, saline freshness.
The vineyards for Kanakaris' Malagousia are in the heart of the viticultural zone of the slopes of Aigialeia, at an elevation of 800 to 900 meters above the Corinthian Gulf. The vines are planted on north-facing slopes on either side of the valleys and gorges of the five rivers of the Peloponnese. The Malagousia is produced from a local clone, which gives a palate of tropical fruits, herbs and citrus. The vines grow on Aigialeia’s sandy soils with a red and white clay topsoil. They have adapted well to the high elevation and sandy soils, which provide ideal conditions for slow ripening, delicate aromatics and freshness.
The grapes underwent a 36-hour pre-fermentation cold maceration at 8°C before separation of the free-run juice and gentle pressing. After clarification, alcoholic fermentation proceeded at 12–14°C to preserve aromatic purity and freshness. No malolactic fermentation or oak ageing was used, allowing the wine to express its varietal character with precision and clarity.
Aigialeia, in the northwestern Peloponnese, is among Greece’s most distinctive wine-growing regions. Set against the rugged terrain of the Panachaiko mountains, the area’s high elevations, northern exposure, steep, sloping vineyards and proximity to the Corinthian Gulf help moderate high temperatures, creating a growing environment unlike anything else in the area. It is here that Michalis Kanakaris founded his eponymous winery in 1979, focusing on indigenous varieties Roditis, Sideritis and Mavro Kalavrytino grown on Aigialeia’s sandy, red/white clay soils. Today, Kanakaris is run by the third generation of Michalis’ family, with brothers Stefanos and Michalis taking over the reins in 2009.
https://www.kanakariswines.gr