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Domaine Karanika
Cuvée Speciale Extra Brut
Greece, Amyndeon, Amyndeon
White
Winery Overview
The story of Domaine Karanika is rooted in the lifelong dream of two individuals on a quest for exceptional wine. Founded by Laurens M. Hartman-Karanika, the son of a Greek mother and a Dutch father, and his wife, Annette van Kampen, both of whom spent their entire lives in the Netherlands, their journey into the world of wine began in pursuit of their shared passion and a desire for wines that transcended the commercial norm.With approximately 15 years of combined experience in various management positions within the publishing industry, Laurens and Annette found themselves drawn to the world of fine wine. Dissatisfied with the proliferation of “Parkerized” wines, they embarked on a life-changing journey in early 2004. Their dream was clear: to create world-class organic sparkling wines using only the traditional method (methode traditionelle).
Over the years, they dedicated themselves to the art of winemaking, becoming trained winemakers, oenologists, and vineyardists through immersive experiences in Europe and the United States. Their quest for the perfect combination of terroir and grape varieties led them on an extensive exploration, considering options ranging from Australia to Germany. It was during this journey that they discovered their love for the extraordinary Xinomavro variety, still awaiting its moment in the limelight. This discovery led them to the enchanting region of Amyndeo in Greece, where their dream began to take shape. With unwavering determination, Laurens and Annette set the bar exceptionally high. They embraced a commitment to utilizing only completely natural methods and tools, all while demanding wines of pristine clarity and elegance, a hallmark of their sparkling creations.
Today, Domaine Karanika’s vision is a reflection of this remarkable journey. It is a vision that centers on crafting excellence in perfect harmony with nature—a celebration of purity, tradition, and the relentless pursuit of perfection. We invite you to share in the essence of Domaine Karanika, where each bottle embodies our unwavering commitment to producing wines of unparalleled quality and character.
Part of the Sotiris Bafitis Portofolio
Nestled in the far north-western reaches of Greece, Amyndeon, or Amyntaio, named after Alexander the Great’s grandfather, boasts a unique terroir that sets it apart from other wine-producing regions. Situated at an elevation of approximately 700 meters above sea level and shielded by Mount Vermio, Amyndeon enjoys a continental climate with a touch of influence from the nearby lakes, most notably Lake Vegoritis, the largest among them. These geographical characteristics contribute to a winegrowing climate unlike any other in Greece, allowing Xinomavro grapes for red wine production to ripen well into mid-October.
Amyndeon stands out as the coolest wine-producing region in Greece, and its soils exhibit diversity across the vineyards. In the slopes west of Amyndeon, sandy clay predominates around Xinonero, while a sandy loam characterizes the plain area just west of Lake Petron, near Ayios Panteleimonas. Notably, the old ‘ampelotopi’ area in Levea, located just above Domaine Karanika’s winery, features sandy lime soil with a marl underlayer, boasting a notably high calcium content. This unique soil composition, akin to the terroir found in Champagne, imparts remarkable pH values—typically on the lower side—for the grapes.
Domaine Karanika recognizes the significance of these diverse terroirs within the Amyndeon Appellation. As part of ongoing experimentation, the winery cultivates grapes in seven different villages within the appellation: Amyndeo, Agios Panteleimonas, Petres, Xinonero, Levea, Pedino, and Aetos. This meticulous exploration allows Domaine Karanika to harness the distinctive characteristics of each terroir, resulting in wines that truly reflect the essence of this extraordinary region.
Vinification
Whole bunches pressed in basket and membrane presses. Temperature controlled fermentation at 18-22 degrees Celsius. Low sulphur use, no chemical additives. Second fermentation in bottle. Sur latte for 12 months. Released 2 months after degorgement.
Tasting Notes
Described as a world class sparkling wine and getting rave reviews by experts of champagne, simply confirms every year the uniqueness of the Amyntaio terroir for sparkling wines. Pinkish yellow in the glass, beautiful sparkles and mousse. The nose reveals a discrete saltiness, acidic fruits and roses, which are joined by the flavor of freshly harvested strawberries.
