Ariousios Afstiros 2016

Afstiros is Ariousios Winery's expression of indigenous Chiotiko Krassero and Agiannitis from the island of Chios in Greece. Dry, medium-bodied with notes of cherry, spice, and wild herbs. Made with local grapes aged for 18 months in used oak barrels.

Ariousios Winery was founded in 1998 on the island of Chios in Greece (very close to Izmir) by founders Dimitri and Panagiotis Kefalas. Before this, they produced wine from their grapes but only for family use. In 2009 they renovated the cellar and reorganised themselves in order to begin shipping wine outside of their island. The aim of Ariousios is to produce natural wines starting from the native vines that are bred with care and passion.

Ariousios works only with indigenous Greek varietals such as Assyrtiko, Agiannitis, and Athiri. Their terroir is made up of the proximity to the Aegean Sea and its beneficial sea breeze, the wonderful Greek sun, an overall mild climate, and the height and exposition of their vineyards on the islands – all factors that help to give elegant, fragrant, and pure wines.

What you get is dry, medium-bodied red wine with cherry, spice, and wild herbs. The 18 months aging in used oak barrels adds complexity and structure without overwhelming the pure fruit character. The combination of indigenous varietals Chiotiko Krassero and Agiannitis creates a wine that's genuinely distinctive and expressive of the Chios terroir.

Serve it at room temperature with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, Mediterranean dishes, or aged cheeses. This is honest, characterful Greek wine from a small island winery committed to working with indigenous varietals and natural winemaking, perfect for those looking for something truly unique from the Aegean islands.