Tetramythos 2019 Sauvignon Blanc Naturε

Tetramythos are one of the most exciting wineries in Greece, making delicious natural wines from a range of (mostly) native varieties. This is Sauvignon Blanc, but not as we know it. Some of the fermentation takes place in new oak barrels, and it is then aged for four months. It is amazingly complex, aromatic and textured, with a lively, crisp freshness.

Unusual nose that I would not have guessed as Sauvignon Blanc. There is a light herbal note but also a very slight honeyed quality, plus stone fruit and perhaps lime zest. No obvious evidence of oak or lees, but perhaps that's why the varietal character is not so obvious. On the palate, very crisp ... and leaner than I expected from the aroma but intense. Extremely precise and distinctive, surely saying more about the vineyard than the variety – which is quite an achievement with Sauvignon Blanc. As it warms up, there’s a light flavour of the variety's telltale green pea. Even better on the day after opening.

17 points

Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com, 08/12/2020

100% Sauvignon Blanc. 18 year old vines. Last part of fermentation in oak. Matured in oak for four months, with occasional lees stirring. Bottled unfined and unfiltered with minimal sulphur.