Wine and lunch in Thrace

I was pleasantly surprised by the number of female winemakers that I met on a recent #winelover trip to Thrace, Greece. Ancient Thrace has both historical and geographical significance in the wine world. Thrace is an area located in southeast Europe centered on the borders of Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey. The part of Thrace, located in Greece, is known as Western Thrace. This area is bordered by Bulgaria to the north (Northern Thrace), Turkey to the east (Eastern Thrace), Aegean Sea to the south, and the Greek region of Macedonia, to the west. The agenda for our last day in Thrace included a visit to the Dadia National Forest and lunch with local winemakers. Over lunch we were introduced to two female winemakers. 

#Winelovers, Dadia Forest Inn © Spaswinefood

After visiting the Dadia Forest #winelovers gathered at the Dadia Forest Inn to meet two local winemakers.  Our host, George introduced us to Kiki Hatzisavva from Xwines, and Maro Goutsidis from Goutsidis Winery.

Introducing Female Winemakers © Spaswinefood

Wine making in this area of Greece dates back to the ancient Thracians. After a decline in wine making in the region, there has been experiencing a rebirth since 2000. Today, part of this rebirth is being led by female winemakers. In an earlier Spaswinefood article I wrote about meeting Melina Tassou who established her own winery, Domaine Kikones in 2004. This article will focus on two other female winemakers that Spaswinefood met at the Forest Inn. 

Wine and Lunch in Thrace

The winemakers lunch featured local produce prepared by Vaggelis Kilos. Without a doubt our #Winelover in Thrace Wine and Gastronomy Adventure was filled with fantastic gastronomic delights. First, let's take a peek at some of the foods served.

Lunch, Dadia Forest Inn © Spaswinefood

Lunch Platter, Dadia Forest Inn © Spaswinefood

Whenever #winelovers gather there is always good conversations over food and wine. This was certainly the case in Thrace. 

#Winelover Wine Tasting, Dadia Forest Inn © Spaswinefood

#Winelover Wine Tasting © Spaswinefood

Now let's meet the winemakers.

Maro Goutsidis, Goutsidis Winery
George introduced Maro Goutsidis from Goutsidis Winery, Dakaia, Evros region. Maro shared some insights into her winery. Goutsidis Winery was founded in 1997, is located near the Evros River. It is described as a place of beauty. Their own estate vineyards of 75 acres is organically farmed. They focus on cultivating the most important indigenous and international grape varieties. Great care was taken in selecting the location for each grape variety. The complete wine making process, from the vineyard to the bottle, is biological, with certification done by the TUV AUSTRIA HELLAS. The major Greek and international grape varieties, which they have found ideal for their vineyard, include:

White: Assyrtiko, Malagouzia, Roditis and Sauvignon Blanc

Red: Sour Mavroudi (Xinomavro), Limniona, Mavroudi, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, and a special local variety Pamidi.

Maro brought an extensive lineup of her wines for us to taste.

Wines, Goutsidis Winery © Spaswinefood

I will highlight a few of the white and red wines tasted.

Goutsidis Winery, Alos 

Goutsidis Winery, Alos (left) 2016 © Spaswinefood

This is a Blanc de Noir wine made from Xyno Mavroudi. The labelling is significant here. Xyno Mavroudi is used in the labeling because Xinomavro is not a permitted grape for this wine region.

Goutsidis Winery, Retinitis 2015

Goutsidis Winery, Retinitis 2015 © Spaswinefood

This is a resinated wine made from Sauvignon Blanc, Asyrtiko and Malagouzia. 

Goutsidis Winery, Retinitis 2015 © Spaswinefood

This is a modern style Retsina. There have been significant changes in the way winemakers make Retsina in recent years.

Goutsidis Winery, Dikeon 2009

Goutsidis Winery, Dikeon 2009 © Spaswinefood

Goutsidis Winery Bio Certification © Spaswinefood

Dikeon is a blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mavroudi, Merlot and Pamidi.

Goutsidis Winery, Epillo 2010

Goutsidis Winery, Epillo 2010 © Spaswinefood

Epillo is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Mavroudi. 

Goutsidis Wines, Dadia Forest Inn © Spaswinefood

It was insightful to hear about Maro's approach to winemaking, and to learn about her wines. It was a delight for me to taste wines from Goutsidis Winery. 

Kiki Hatzisavva, Xwines
Kiki Hatzisavva, oenologist from Xwines introduced three of her wines from their Hatzisavva Vineyards. Xwines is a young winery that Kiki is busy getting established. She talked about her decision to leave microbiology and become a winemaker. Similarly to Maro, Kiki also talked about the importance of taking a nurturing approach to winemaking.

Kiki Hatzisavva, Xwines © Spaswinefood

Xwines

Xwines © Spaswinefood

Kiki poured three Xwines:
1. XRosé wine made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Mavrudi

Wines, XRosé  © Spaswinefood

I loved this rosé wine.

The other two XWines were:
2. XWine, Merlot, Mavrudi blend and
3. XWine, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Mavrudi blend 2010.

The 2010 XWine was awesome. Xwines talented young winemaker is well on her way to establishing a boutique winery. I look forward to hearing about her wines.

Yes, Wine and Lunch in Thrace is what makes our #winelover adventures so unique.

Wine Tasting, Dadia Forest Inn © Spaswinefood

Prior to meeting the winemakers I visited the Dadia National Forest. It is well worth a visit, as it is a protected area for birds of prey. In addition, three out of the four vulture species found in Europe (Black Vulture, Griffon Vulture and Egyptian Vulture) can be seen here. While in the area checkout the Dadia Forest Inn at the entrance to the forest.

Dadia National Forest © Spaswinefood

It was indeed a most delightful experience to sample some of the local cuisine while being introduced to the wines made by two local winemakers. Thanks to all who made this winemaker lunch so very special. As we returned along the Silk Road that afternoon I just knew there would be a Greek wine goddess/god calling me to taste Greek wines or visit a vineyard soon.  Spaswinefood is looking forward to more wine country adventures along the Greek Wine Trails. I invite you to check out my travels in Greece and elsewhere  at Spaswinefood. 

Sharon

May 2017

Alexandroupoli, Greece

© Spaswinefood

Dadia Forest Inn, Dadia National Forest © Spaswinefood

Follow me on Twitter and Facebook

Special thanks to T:U Events for its excellent organization of our #winelover adventures in Thrace.

Note: For further info on Greek grapes and wine regions see all about Greek wine