Ktima Ligas, Xi Ro, 2018

Red Fruit, Tomato Leaf, Smoky

Thomas Ligas began his quest to get to know the local ecosystem intimately in 1985, looking into traditional methods of viticulture and vinification in an attempt to find ways to accentuate the distinctive qualities of the terroir. Many grape varieties fell from favour after phylloxera in the 19th century nearly wiped out vine growing across Europe, and so in many ways Ktima Ligas is trying to resurrect these old varieties and farming methods. Today the Ligas family, Thomas, Jason and Meli, work hard to find that perfect balance between quality and quantity, although the former always takes precedent. They see their approach as being more than just organic and only use indigenous Greek grape varieties, some of which had nearly been forgotten, such as Kydonitsa.

Grapes are hand-harvested before atural fermentation. This intruigong blend of red and white grapes is truly delcious. The Xinomavro and the Roditis are vinified separately before blending hence the name Xi-Ro. The wine is then Aged in old oak barrels for 10-12 months. No added sulphites. Beautifully structured, much like a Nebbiolo from Piedmont, which gives a lovely generous feeling without being heavy or full-bodied.