2022 Zafeirakis Limniona, Thesaly Greece

Zafeirakis Limniona from Thessaly is one of the most exciting red wines to emerge from Greece in the past decade, and a brilliant showcase of a nearly-lost indigenous variety brought back to life by a winemaker obsessed with authenticity and terroir. That winemaker is Christos Zafeirakis, a fourth-generation grower based in the foothills of Mount Olympus in Tyrnavos, central Greece.

Christos studied oenology in Florence and trained in Piedmont and Alto Adige before returning home to take over his family estate. His vision was clear: revive Limniona, a delicate and elegant grape native to Thessaly that had almost vanished by the 1980s. Today, Zafeirakis is credited with rescuing the variety and turning it into one of Greece’s most compelling red wines.

Farmed organically and vinified with minimal intervention, this wine is made from estate-grown Limniona vines planted in clay-limestone soils at around 200 meters altitude. Fermentation is spontaneous with native yeasts, and ageing takes place in large used oak barrels, preserving the variety’s subtle fragrance and energy.

In the glass, Zafeirakis Limniona is wonderfully lifted and perfumed, with aromas of wild cherry, dried rose, cranberry, fresh herbs and earth. The palate is medium-bodied, with fine powdery tannins, vibrant acidity and a graceful, Burgundian structure. There’s a whisper of spice and forest floor on the finish that adds depth without weight.

This is a wine for lovers of elegant reds—think Pinot Noir or Nebbiolo in their more ethereal moods. It’s also a fascinating expression of Greek terroir and craftsmanship, bridging ancient roots with a modern, world-class sensibility.

Perfect with slow-roast lamb shoulder, mushroom and lentil dishes, grilled quail or a rich tomato-based seafood stew.