ESTATE MANOLESAKIS

The MANOLESAKIS ESTATE of the Manolesakis family has been active in viticulture and winemaking since 1989, a pivotal period that coincides with the start of the vineyard in the Adriani area of Drama, with the cosmopolitan French varieties Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. Giorgos Manolesakis is among the first to revive viticulture in this historic region, and with the help of his son, Stavros Manolesakis, they personally oversee all work in the cultivation of the vineyards and the production of the estate’s wines. They ensure respect for the dictates of Nature while optimizing the viticultural and production process, so that the vines can express the typical characteristics of the area’s microclimate (terroir), which is the original goal of this endeavor. In 2004, continuous exploration led to new plantings of Greek indigenous varieties such as Malagousia, Muscat of Alexandria, Assyrtiko, and Agiorgitiko, while in 2008 the also Greek varieties Moschomavro and Limnio were added, and in 2014 the variety Pinot Noir. In 1998, the facilities of the MANOLESAKIS ESTATE winery were completed, with an ultramodern winemaking unit of 1,500 sq.m. located in the heart of the privately owned 200-stremma vineyard on the slopes of Adriani, a few kilometers outside the city of Drama. The aim of the estate’s people is to produce high-quality wines exclusively from the privately owned vineyard, in order to highlight the particularities of each variety, in perfect harmony with the microclimate and the soil of the vineyards, the typical characteristics of the area’s terroir. The MANOLESAKIS ESTATE is open to visitors. Wine-loving guests can enjoy a pleasant tour of all the winery and cellar areas, be initiated into and trained in the art of creating and enjoying wine, take part in wine tastings, or even celebrate, as the winery’s outdoor area is available for events (contact: 25210 82010).

• Over the last two decades, the Protected Geographical Indication Drama (P.G.I. Drama) wine designation has been one of the main pillars of viticultural innovation in Greece. • Drama is located in Eastern Macedonia and is surrounded by the Rhodope mountain range and the Menoikio, Falakro, and Lekani mountains. The climatic conditions created by the mountains and the ideal soil favor viticulture. • Drama has sandy-clay soils, while the presence of stone in the soil helps better root penetration and prevents moisture retention. The climate of the area is temperate without frosts. And the soil pH is 6.5–7.5. • A light breeze for many hours within the 24-hour period helps prevent moisture from forming in the vineyards. • Soils with a gentle slope have a beneficial effect on the quality of the grapes produced, due to the faster drainage of cold air as well as better drainage of excess water. Even the orientation of the vineyard significantly affects the characteristics and physiology of the plants. • Its establishment on slopes with an eastern and northeast orientation is advantageous, as this favors better ventilation and cooler functioning during the summer. In general, it is important for the vine to have full exposure to solar radiation and good air circulation between the vines. • The relatively cool summers combined with the large day-night temperature difference allow for a slow ripening process, which reaches a favorable conclusion with very good qualitative results for both Greek and international varieties, which yield wines of a very high level. • A large share is also held by the white and red Bordeaux varieties, which are vinified on their own as well as in blends. For this reason, many have characterized the area as a small Bordeaux. • In recent years, Greek varieties have also entered the region’s viticultural map very dynamically, gaining a significant share. The variety that played—and continues to play—a major role in the area is Assyrtiko. The characteristic Sauvignon Blanc–Assyrtiko blend has also produced delightful wines here.