2024 Papagiannakos Old Vines Savatiano, Attica

Papagiannakos Old Vines Savatiano from Attica is a quietly remarkable Greek white, made from a variety that’s been misunderstood for decades. Winemaker Vassilis Papagiannakos has championed Savatiano with passion and precision, elevating it from rustic table wine status to a refined, terroir-driven expression worthy of global attention.

These old bush vines, some more than 60 years in age, are dry-farmed on limestone soils in the sun-drenched Markopoulo region of Attica, southeast of Athens. The vines thrive in the region’s arid climate and benefit from cooling Aegean breezes, which preserve freshness and allow for slow, even ripening. Yields are low, resulting in fruit of impressive concentration and balance.

Papagiannakos ferments the wine in stainless steel to preserve the delicate aromatics and natural texture. The result is a beautifully understated wine that opens with subtle aromas of yellow apple, lemon peel, chamomile and almond. The palate is rounded and gently waxy with a core of citrus and stone fruit, layered with salty minerality and a touch of fennel and dried herbs. There’s a quiet intensity here—Savatiano as a vessel for place and history, not just refreshment.

This wine is ideal with grilled fish, Greek-style lemon chicken, spanakopita or chickpea and olive tapenade. It’s also an excellent pairing for washed rind cheeses and Mediterranean mezze.