PRESS RELEASE
Grand Gold for AGIORITIKO ABATON Gold Selection 2015 at Frankfurt International Wine Trophy 2019
AGIORITIKO ABATON Gold Selection from Metohi Chromitsa in Mount Athos, received the Grand Gold Medal at Frankfurt International Wine Trophy 2019, which was held in early April in Germany.
This distinction is added next to the Gold Medal that it had received in late March from the International Contest MUNDUS VINI Spring Tasting 2019.
AGIORITIKO ABATON Gold Selection continues its successful route with positive assessments, showing the potential of this unique ecosystem that surrounds Metohi Chromitsa and contributes to the creation of this special red PGI wine.
A few words for the contest:
The contest Frankfurt International Wine Trophy is certified with ISO-9001 and the analysis is based on the OIV system.
Every year a German Executive Chef is the head of the committee of judges, due to the close relationship of the contest with fine gastronomy. This year the honorary president was Mr Erik Arnecke, Chef at “Philipp Soldan, Frankenberg” (Awarded with 1 Michelin Star).
Around 1.700 wines from 26 countries take part in the contest.
A few words for Mount Athos:
In Mount Athos mostly thrive indigenous varieties: red varieties as Limnio, Xinomavro, as well as white varieties like Assyrtiko, Athiri, Roditis with successful results.
The climate in Mount Athos is Mediterranean. Winter is mild with low levels of snow and temperature is rarely under -2°C. Spring and summer are hot, with high levels of sunlight and a few rainfalls.
The vineyards of the monasteries are surrounded by the mountain range of Athos from the east -with short woody vegetation- and by the sea from the west. This contributes in the creation of an excellent microclimate. Sea breeze balances the high summer temperatures and provides the necessary humidity for the soil of the vineyards.
Vineyards are located at an altitude of 250 meters. The soil contains schist, which contributes in the fruity character, the body and the elegance of the wines. In the soil there is a continuous rotation of sandy loam and sandy clay and the roots of the vines penetrate the soil down to 1.5-2 meters in order to find the rare nutritious elements they need to survive.
A few words for Metohi Chromitsa:
The Tsantali family started the total rejuvenation of the vineyards in 1970.
Except from the international grape varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache rouge, Evangelos Tsantalis insisted on planting indigenous varieties, such as Assyrtiko, Athiri, Roditis and Xinomavro.
From the starting point of the rejuvenation, a great attention was paid on the old vines of Limnio that were found in Metohi.
Limnio is among the oldest Greek grape varieties from the antiquity.
A few words for AGIORITIKO ABATON:
This red dry wine, product of organic farming, from Metohi Chromitsa is a varietal combination of Cabernet Sauvignon (80%) and Limnio (20%).
Grapes for this wine label are hand-picked from the vineyards and pass through a strict selection.
Winemaking process is traditional in open oak tanks. This technique, which comes from Mount Athos, provides sufficient levels of oxygen to the grape must and permits the designation of rich aromas and rounded flavor that will be further boosted with the oak barrel maturation.
The final blend occurs at least 5 months after the harvest and the final transfusion happens 6 months later.
AGIORITIKO ABATON Gold Selection matures in French oak barrels 300Lt for 16 months and further ages in bottle for at least 12 months before release.
From the starting point of its release, AGIORITIKO ABATON followed exporting activity and every year takes part in international contests, gaining exceptional reviews and high distinctions.
For more info: marketing@tsantali.gr
