White Ekho 2022

The white wine of the Greek Ekho project bears witness to ancient wine-growing territories and traditions, specifically those of the highest elevations of the island of Naxos. It is a blend of the indigenous varieties Potamisi, Aidani and Karaibraim, white grape varieties widespread in the Cyclades archipelago. In detail, Potamisi is an almost forgotten grape that is characterised by the intense colour of its berries and the almondy finish of the resulting wine. On the other hand, Aidani is a better known variety, often used in combination with the famous Assyrtiko in the production of dry, semi-sweet or sweet wines, as in the case of Santorini Vinsanto. Lastly, Karaibraim represents a true oenological rarity, a forgotten grape variety that Lefteris Anagnostou, the soul of the Ekho project, has undertaken to valorise.

The Ekho Bianco thus originates from a blend of Potamisi, Aidani and Karaibraim grapes from 150-year-old vines grown on the island of Naxos. The vineyard, rooted on soil of volcanic origin, is located on terraces at an altitude of 600 metres above sea level, on the slopes of Mount Za. Harvesting is done by hand and the grapes are then vinified in white in stainless steel tanks with spontaneous alcoholic fermentation. Also in stainless steel is the 10-month maturation phase on the fine lees that precedes final bottling.

The Bianco Ekho has an intense straw yellow colour. The nose offers intense aromas of yellow-fleshed fruit such as apricot, enhanced by slight hints of citrus and hints of Mediterranean scrub reminiscent of thyme. On the finish, a definite iodised mineral timbre emerges. On the palate, it is very savoury and fresh, with exceptional tension and energy, and a finish that stands out for its distinctly Mediterranean character.