The Producer

Dougos winery was founded in 1991 by Thanos and Louiza Dougos. Thanos is the viticulturist and Louiza is the winemaker and together they make wines from indigenous Greek varieties as well as blends with international grapes.  They also operate one of Greece's oldest vine nurseries, which was established in 1950. Production is small, peaking at around 70,000 bottles per year.
 
The winery is located in the Tempi Valley, on the foothills of Mt. Olympus, in what constitutes the PDO Rapsani, in the Thessaly region. The vineyards are planted in iron-rich schist soils at altitudes of 450-700 meters. These soils are poor and the iron content is important as it helps regulate the water capacity of the soil. The vineyards are cultivated without the use of irrigation, at low yields, and are certified organic.

The wines are very true to their origin and are always elegant, refined and expressive, and never dominated by new oak. In fact, the 300l barrels used (Acacia for the Assyrtiko and French/American oak for the reds) are always only lightly or not at all toasted, in order to not overpower the intricate qualities of the varieties.
 
 
The Wine
 
Native Assyrtiko, planted over 30 years ago at nearly half a kilometre in altitude, combines with a dash of Sauvignon Blanc to create a wine of great aromatic purity, fermented and matured in large Acacia barrels for 9 months.
 
The nose is luscious and expressive with flowers, tropical fruit and sweet oak.  It offers a creamy palate highlighted by Assyrtiko’s minerality and mouthfeel.