2021 Harvest Report

The first harvest date of 2021 vintage for Tsantali, was the 24^th of August. During harvest period we experienced normal climatic conditions in general, while at the beginning of summer we had to deal with severe heat waves. These conditions particularly favored the mid and late ripening varieties but negatively affected the early ripening varieties.  

HALKIDIKI VINEYARD

The region of Halkidiki recorded a delayed ripening of the white varieties for about 4 – 5 days, compared with 2020 vintage, because of the early summer heat waves. In contrast, the ripening process of the red varieties was normal for the region regarding dates.

WHITE VARIETIES

Beginning of harvest – 24^th of August

White varieties in chronological order by harvest dates:

1. Sauvignon Blanc
2. Muscat of Alexandria
3. Malagousia
4. Athiri
5. Assyrtiko
6. Roditis

RED VARIETIES

Beginning of harvest – 1^st of September

Red Varieties in chronological order by harvest dates:

1. Merlot
2. Cabernet Sauvignon

MOUNT ATHOS VINEYARD

The beginning of harvest in Mount Athos region was in 24^th of August, at the exact same date as 2020 vintage. During the spring months we faced high levels of rainfall especially during the flowering period. This event led to pure fruit set and low level of production in terms of quantities. During the summer months, particularly warm and dry conditions prevailed, which in some cases interrupted the ripening process.

WHITE VARIETIES

Beginning of harvest – 24^th of August

White varieties in chronological order by harvest dates:

1. Chardonnay
2. Athiri
3. Assyrtiko
4. Roditis

RED VARIETIES

Beginning of harvest – 7^th of September

Red varieties in chronological order by harvest dates:

1. Grenache
2. Cabernet Sauvignon
3. Limnio

Both regions (Halkidiki and Mount Athos) produced white wines with pronounced aromatic intensity. Considered the results so far, we estimate that 2021 vintage will give highly aromatic, full-bodied whites and roses with balanced acidity. The reds are expected to show moderate alcohol levels and intense fruity character.  

MARONIA VINEYARD

The 2021 vintage in Maronia was carried out in normal dates for the region, without problems regarding the health of the vines. Quantities were noticeably lower compared with last year’s vintage, because of prolonged heat waves and dry conditions, prevailing during the summer months.

Whites and Roses are expected to be highly aromatic while the reds are distinguished for their intense fruity character.

WHITE VARIETIES     

Beginning of Harvest – 24^th of August  

Chronological order of white varieties by harvest dates:

1. Chardonnay
2. Sauvignon Blanc
3. Muscat

RED VARIETIES

Beginning of Harvest – 7^th of September

Chronological order of red varieties by harvest dates:

1. Syrah
2. Mavroudi
3. Limnio

RAPSANI VINEYARD

Harvest in Rapsani began on the 22nd of September with the vineyards of Subzone A (up to 250m altitude) and continued 5 days later with the vineyards of Subzone B (250 – 500m altitude). From the 1^st of October the harvest of the highest altitude vineyards (Subzone C – altitude of 500m and above) began and completed on the 7^th of October. 

The grapes were exceptionally healthy – one of the highest quality vintages of the last years – with optimum physiological ripeness, high potential alcohol level and very good phenolic ripeness. Undoubtedly, 2021 vintage was one of the best vintages ever recorded in our winery, for Rapsani region.   

PDO Rapsani wines are expected to display pronounced aromatic profile, normal alcohol levels and very good phenolic ripeness.

Beginning of Harvest 22nd September

NAOUSSA VINEYARD

Harvest began in 22^nd of September in our vineyard in Strantza and lust until 6^th of October. The grapes were healthy with good concentration of aromatic compounds and sugars, while the phenolic ripeness and alcohol levels were even better. Nevertheless, the quantities of 2022 vintage were reduced by 15%.

The wines are expected to be distinguished for their optimum phenolic ripeness, typicity and intense expression of Xinomavro.

Beginning of Harvest – 22^nd of September

TSANTALI Viticulture & Oenology Department

Dr. George Salpigidis                                                 Ilias Antoniadis   

Head of Viticulture Department                                 Oenologist-Head Winemaker

Andreas Anthomelidis

Agronomist – In charge of Naoussa & Rapsani Vineyards

Stavros Ezanidis

Head of Tsantali Quality Assurance Department

Oenologist – In charge of Rapsani Winery

In charge of Tsantali Distillates

Release date of Harvest Report: October 7^th, 2021

For any further information,  please contact: marketing@tsantali.gr