When we think of high-quality sparkling wines, we typically turn our attention to Champagne. However, Karanika, the winery located in Amyntaio, Northern Macedonia, proves that exceptional bubbles can also originate in Greece, with a distinct identity and grapes that reflect their terroir.
The venture was initiated by Laurens M. Hartman-Karanika and Annette van Kampen, a Dutch-Greek duo with a passion for natural wines. Their dream was to create world-class sparkling wines, crafted using traditional methods but with indigenous grapes and a commitment to nature. To achieve this, they travelled across the globe, exploring vineyards from Australia to Germany, in search of the perfect place to plant their roots and realise their vision.
The heart of the project began to beat strongly when they discovered xinomavro, a Greek variety still relatively unknown outside its homeland, yet possessing extraordinary potential for sparkling wines. It was then that Amyntaio emerged as the ideal setting: a cool climate, limestone soils, and an altitude that allows for low pH and moderate alcohol levels, optimal conditions for delicate, vibrant wines brimming with freshness.
From this exceptional terroir comes Karanika Cuvée Rosé Brut, crafted from ungrafted xinomavro and a minute proportion of limniona, which imparts subtle nuances and complexity. The whole clusters are gently pressed in a membrane press, fermentations occur at controlled temperatures, and the wine is produced with low sulphur content and without chemical additives. After the initial fermentation, the second fermentation takes place in the bottle, where it rests on its lees for between 9 and 18 months before being released 3 months after disgorgement.
Karanika Cuvée Rosé Brut is, above all, the expression of a unique terroir, an emblematic grape, and the vision of those who dared to dream beyond Champagne. A rosé of character, with vibrant freshness and the elegance of a Greek sparkling wine, demonstrating that excellence knows no boundaries.