Katogi & Strofilia Blog

Metsovo

Zone description

Metsovo is Greece’s highest altitude wine-making region, with vines growing between 900 and 1000 metres above sea level. Although slopes are steep and weather conditions are often extreme, the grapes mature extremely well despite the difficulties, due to the low density of the vines. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Traminer are grown in the area, along with smaller numbers of Pinot Noir and Syrah vines. The cultivation of various local grape varieties is still at the experimental stage.

Weather conditions in 2011

There was quite a lot of snow during 2011, with the wintry conditions and below-average temperatures lasting until late April. Although it continued to rain until early June, the rest of the summer remained hot and dry without significant rainfall into September, when temperatures also dropped slightly.

The Traminer, Merlot, Vlachiko and Pinot Noir grapes were harvested on September 26 and 27, which was five days earlier than in 2010. The grapes were in excellent health, with a potential alcohol level of over 13% and high oxidity. Harvesting of the Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc began on October 4 and was completed on October 13. Again, the grapes were in extremely good condition with a potential alcohol level of 13.5% Vol and oxidity in excess of 7 gr per litre.

Quantitative evaluation of the vintage

Production fell around 15% in 2011, primarily as a result of the summer drought, although our vineyards’ most regular visitor—the bear—was also to blame. Average production was between 350 and 400 kilograms per 1000 m2, depending on the variety.

Qualitative evaluation of the vintage

This year’s white wines have completed their fermentation and reveal themselves to be extremely aromatic with excellent oxidities. They are well-rounded with a very pleasant aftertaste. Overall, they would appear to be superior to their 2010 counterparts.

The first red wines have a good, deep colour and a promising phenolic content. They are fruity with quite high oxidities and good potential for maturation. Everything seems to point to 2011 being as great a year for reds at 2000.

Nemea

Zone description

Greece’s largest appellation controlée zone, the Nemea district is almost exclusively planted with Agiorgitiko vines. Because of its hilly terrain, maturation is far from uniform across the region. Nemea’s upland vineyards are centred around the villages of Asprokambos, Psari and Kastraki at an altitude of 700-1000 metres above sea level, and it is here that Katogi & Strofilia are active. Vines mature later here than in lower-lying vineyards, and the grapes are harvested in late September and mid October.

Weather conditions in 2011

Rainfall was above average during 2011 with 425.6 mm falling between January and September (data provided by the Nemea weather station). Combined with lower than average temperatures between February and May, this led to the grapes maturing 15-20 days later than in 2010. In the upland Asprokambos zone, the Agiorgitiko harvest began on October 5, which was almost 20 days later than in 2010.

Quantitative evaluation of the year

The year’s damp, cold conditions coupled with high spring rainfall made mildew a problem during 2011. This resulting in a considerable reduction in yield which initial estimates place in the region of 25-30%. The problem was more serious in the plains than in upland areas, where the incidence of mildew was below average.

Qualitative evaluation of the year

The fermentation of the red wines to date would indicate that the young reds will be fruity with a high oxidity and a moderate phenolic content. The Agiorgitiko from upland Asprokambos was harvested with sugar concentrations of between 12.5 and 12.8 Be. In terms of quality, 2011 was a moderate year.

Upland Aigialeia

Zone description

Aigialeia is an upland zone consisting of a series of plateaus situated at between 450 and 750 metres above sea level. Despite its altitude, the area enjoys a mild climate due to its proximity to the Gulf of Corinth, with cool nights and relatively mild daytime temperatures even during the hottest parts of the year. Roditis is the area’s main grape variety, though a number or other white and red varieties are also cultivated.

Weather conditions in 2011

Overall, 2011 was considerably wetter and colder than 2010, which delayed the maturation of the region’s vines. Harvesting of the Roditis variety began on September 27, a week later than in 2010, but had to be interrupted due to the inadequate maturation of the highest vineyards. The harvest was resumed one week later and completed by October 10. Generally speaking, the harvest in the Aigialeia uplands was later than in 2010, but still within the normal range for the area.

Quantitative evaluation of the year

The winds that blow constantly in this upland area due to its singular morphology helped prevent the mildew that plagued the vineyards in the plains. Quantity-wise, the 2011 harvest was within the normal range for the area, with the poorer vineyards producing 1000-1200 kilos of Roditis per 1000 m2, and the more productive plots producing yields in the region of 1400 kilos.

Qualitative evaluation of the year

In terms of quality, both the Roditis and the Chardonnay grapes matured well and were quite aromatic with high oxidities at harvest with sugar concentrations of between 11.4 and 11.8 Baumé^o.The whites, which are currently fermenting, display the fruity, herby characteristics associated with the area. Overall, it would seem that 2011 is going to be a satisfactory year for the area’s white wines.

Anavyssos

Zone description

Attica’s Anavyssos vine zone includes the vineyards in the south of the Municipality of Saronikos on the Saronic Gulf and some of the Western part of the Municipality of Lavrio.

The terrain and the climate, combined with the advantages of its coastal location, make the area ideal for vines with the surrounding hills forming a natural protective barrier.

The climate is dry, and the area enjoys mild winters, low rainfall (an average of 257 mm per annum) and hot summers with an average annual temperature of 23.8^oC. The ground is clay.

Weather conditions in 2011

A mild winter with moderate rainfall through until May combined with a relatively cool summer with strong North winds blowing during the final stages of the grapes’ maturation made for the latest harvest in years. Harvesting began on August 18 with the Malagouzia variety, continued with the Asyrtiko on August 28 and ended with the Roditis and Savatiano on September 15.

Quantitative evaluation of the year

Yields were normal for the area at between 600 and 1000 kilos per 1000 m2. Although many parts of Attica suffered mildew attacks during 2011, Anavyssos did not, and so did not suffer the related fall in yields.

Qualitative evaluation of the year

The grapes were completely healthy and of exceptional quality. The Malagouzia grown in our new vineyards would seem to have adapted extremely well to the terrain without any muting of the features typical of the variety. The excellent fruit produced in our Asyrtiko vineyards means we can expect an exceptionally delicate, aromatic and complex wine. Yet again, favourable weather conditions in 2011 contributed to perfect Roditis and Savatiano grapes producing a typically aromatic, delicious wine.