Μικρο-Παρτίδες
2016 Κάρες
(kares – English: rachis)
Kares began as a harvest-day accident. When our destemming machine broke, we finished pressing the grapes whole, stems and all.
That unplanned choice drew out tannins and phenolics rarely seen in Commandaria. The batch aged on its own, stubborn and unyielding at first. But with time in oak, the structure softened and the flavours settled into balance. By its fourth year, what emerged was a bold, expressive wine with a character too compelling to keep hidden.
Tasting Notes
Firmly structured, with tannins that frame layers of dried fruit, black tea, and bitter caramel. Earthy undertones and warm spice build gradually into a long, resonant finish.
Technical Details
Appellation
PDO Commandaria
Style
Unfortified
Grape Varieties
~50% Xynisteri, 50% Mavro
Alcohol
13.5%
Residual Sugars
198g/L
Oak Maturation
4 Years
Nutritional Information
Ingredients
Sun-dried grapes
Calories per 100ml
648kj / 154kcal
Vegan
Yes
Preservatives / Antioxidants
Sulphites (potassium metabisulphite E224)
Serving Ideas
Kares is a more gastronomic take on Commandaria, suited to deeply savoury pairings such lamb, liver, wild mushrooms. Equally compelling alongside aged cheeses and dairy-based desserts.
Serve slightly chilled (~10°C).
Serve slightly chilled (~10°C).
Methodology
Terrain
Historic PDO region, Mediterranean climate, 600-800m altitude, limestone and magmatic soil.
Viticulture
Family-managed, indigenous varieties, ungrafted, goblet trained, organic, dry-farmed, hand-harvested
Vinification
Two weeks open-air sun-drying, whole-cluster pressing, basket pressing, spontaneous fermentation, no vinification additives, unfined, unfortified. INOX ferment, 4 years in old French oak.
The Artwork
The artwork shows a winemaker entangled in vines, echoing the harvest-day mishap that gave Kares its name and character — a reminder that chance often shapes the most memorable experiences.
